Ohio Senate says no to climate bill in Congress

COLUMBUS (AP) — Republicans who control the Ohio Senate are joining their counterparts in Congress by opposing climate change legislation they say would hurt the state’s economy.

The Senate voted 21-11 along party lines today for a resolution calling on Congress to oppose a bill that would cap carbon emissions. Senate Republicans say the bill would destroy jobs and lead to higher prices for gas and other commodities.

The resolution doesn’t carry legal weight. It’s an expression of the Senate’s disapproval.

Democrats in Congress argue the energy-climate bill would create millions of “green jobs” as the nation shifts to greater reliance on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.

Ohio Republicans say Congress should encourage the states to develop their own renewable energy laws. Ohio passed such a law last year.