The name New Jersey may conjure visions of smokestack-lined highways, but the state just became another big player on the global warming stage. The New Jersey state legislature on Thursday passed by a wide margin a measure that would require serious cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. While other states, like California, have passed similar measures, New Jersey appears to be one of the most aggressive, targeting an 80 percent cut in emissions by 2050.

Here’s news coverage from the Newark Star-Ledger’s NJ.com news site (link), from the Cherry Hill Courier Post (link), from NorthJersey.com (link) and from Associated Press (link)

A quick glance at the measure reveals no sign of a carbon tax, but the PoliticsNJ.com web site notes that “the bill previously was modified to eliminate a schedule of fees and assessments” (link) A little more investigation is required. Take a look at the measure itself here and let us know if you learn anything more.