SEATTLE - The U.S. Senate has begun considering a major bill to clean up the environment, increase the country's energy efficiency and create jobs. Authors of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act say the savings will be greater than the price tag. The goals include reducing carbon pollution by 20 percent within the next ten years.

For Gov. Chris Gregoire, who's attending a global climate summit for governors from around the world this week, it's confirmation the state has been moving in the right direction.

"We're the ones who are going to implement it on the ground. We're the ones who are going to make it happen. But, we really need a national strategy, a national piece of legislation. That's why, in my opinion, today is a big step forward and much-needed."

Gregoire says local leaders from many countries who are attending the summit complain about the same thing; their national governments are "all talk and no action" when it comes to cleaning up their environments. She's glad to see the new bill.

K.C. Golden, policy director for the Northwest group Climate Solutions, says even the utility companies seem to be on board with the idea that changes are coming.

"The climate of uncertainty is not good for them. They know this is an issue we'll have to act on and they're actively engaged in trying to make sure that Congress comes up with, and implements, a national policy commitment that gives them some certainty, and some investment horizon."

Golden says the bill would mean more "green jobs" for the Northwest, as well as cleaner cars, cleaner fuels and alternative types of transportation. Opponents predict it will raise energy prices for consumers, although the bill's sponsors say it is revenue-neutral.

The House already passed its version this summer. The Senate bill sets even tougher limits on global warming pollution.