The launching of a brand new 10-state effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions will take place this September and, according to the Times Union, will likely go on without New York's expected involvement.

The states will be auctioning off credits to allow power plants to emit up to 188 tons of carbon carbon dioxide in 2009.  The program will cut the number of credits by 10 percent in 2015, which will force the amount of emissions down. New York, which accounts for a third of the credits scheduled for the auction, is currently working against the clock to take the necessary steps to publish its final regulations.  And officials say that the deadline may be too close for New York to participate in the September auction.

The auction, which will take place online, is expected to earn $144 million that New York State has earmarked for energy-efficiency programs.   If the state does not make the September deadline, officials assure that they will be ready to participate in the December auction.