Cap-and-trade bill stirs West Virginia protests

CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA - Hundreds of people flocked to the capitol to protest the Obama administration's plan to allow industrial sources to buy and sell pollution permits.

An estimated 400 people gathered in Charleston recently in opposition to the so-called cap-and-trade proposal.

The U.S. House passed legislation last month that would cut carbon dioxide emissions, particularly from coal-fired power plants.

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., expressed concern about losing West Virginia coal jobs.

The bill requires power plants, factories, refineries and electricity and natural gas distributors to reduce the emissions linked to global warming. It also calls for more power production from renewable sources such wind and solar energy, and raises energy-efficiency standards.