Bill studying carbon emissions signed into law

SEATTLE — Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law Tuesday a bill he championed that would study the best ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the measure, an independent consultant would review efforts to cut carbon emissions in Washington and elsewhere. A group of legislators and other leaders would use that evaluation to recommend actions to reduce pollution.

The report is meant to help the state reach its target of reducing 2020 greenhouse gas emissions levels to those of 1990.

Inslee has championed the issue of climate change as a key concern. He appeared before committees in the House and Senate to urge the bill’s passage.

Language in the original bill warned of the perils of climate change, but was removed in the Republican-controlled state Senate.

Inslee signed the bill in Seattle.