'Energy Citizens' rally vs. climate, energy bill

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - About 200 people rallied in opposition to climate and energy legislation passed by the U.S. House.

The rally in Anchorage was sponsored by the Alaska Energy Forum. It had the backing of the American Petroleum Institute, which is supporting similar "Energy Citizen" gatherings in other oil-producing states.

Speakers took aim at the Waxman-Markey climate and energy bill, also known as the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

The legislation would require the United States to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020 and by about 80 percent by mid-century.

Former gubernatorial candidate Andrew Halcro says the measure is politically driven and will harm the country's economy with job losses.