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U.S. Rep. Waxman sets carbon emission reduction goal


    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The chairman of a key committee in the U.S. House of Representatives will propose climate change legislation that would cut greenhouse gas emissions at a rate that is somewhat more aggressive than proposals by President Barack Obama, a source said on Monday.

    The legislation by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman would require that U.S. carbon emissions be reduced by 20 percent from 2005 levels by the year 2020, 42 percent by 2030 and 83 percent by 2050, according to a House Democratic aide who asked not to be identified.

    The U.S. emission control regime would not begin to take effect until 2012, when a 3 percent reduction from 2005 levels would be required, the aide said.

    Obama has asked Congress for legislation that would bring reductions of around 15 percent by 2020 and over 80 percent by 2050. Waxman is set to unveil his draft legislation on Tuesday.

    (Reporting by Richard Cowan; editing by Mohammad Zargham)