Chris Christie Vetoes Clean Energy Bill Again

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed legislation again that would have kept the state in a multistate clean air program.

The bill required New Jersey to remain a part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a regional pact to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and fund clean energy projects.

The veto came as no surprise since Christie pulled New Jersey from the 10-state pact in December and vetoed a similar bill last August.

The governor says the program amounted to a tax on electricity use without reducing carbon emissions.

The Democrat-led Legislature has failed so far to reverse the governor.

Environment New Jersey spokesman Matt Elliott says studies have shown the pact benefits the economy and the environment.

He says the governor's veto moves the state backward.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)