Jaltemba Sol

Mexican capital to reduce harmful gases

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The Associated Press

MEXICO CITY --

The government of notoriously polluted Mexico City is promising to cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions 12 percent by 2012.

The city says it will spend about 60 billion pesos (US$5.8 million) to achieve the goal. Half the funds will come from the local government, and the rest will come from carbon credits and private investment.

The city also plans to institute several emissions-reduction programs such as forcing kids to use public transportation to get to school.

Mexico City Environmental Secretary Martha Delgado detailed the plan Thursday.

She said the capital and the surrounding metropolitan area emit about 60 million tons of carbon dioxide a year. The city hopes to reduce that by 7 million tons.