Energy bill passes in House by narrow margin

House Democrats narrowly win key test vote

The climate bill addresses global warming and cleaner energy; it would impose limits for the first time on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas pollution from power plants, factories and refineries. It also would force a shift from coal and other fossil fuels to renewable and more efficient forms of energy.

On the 217-205 vote, the tally reflects 30 Democrats who voted against the bill, a sign of the controversy surrounding the bill. Republicans are saying the 1,200 page bill includes "the largest tax increase in American history."

The bill next goes to the Senate.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Three Democrats consider running for attorney general

ARKANSAS: State economist disputes jobless rate of 7%

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist considers controversial water rights bill

GEORGIA: 89 new laws to go into effect July 1

KENTUCKY: Hydroelectric power re-emerges as renewable energy source in Kentucky

LOUISIANA: LSU researchers say coastal restorations projects will fail

MISSISSIPPI: Last-minute budget scramble for legislators is today

NORTH CAROLINA: State given the OK to use stimulus funds for green jobs, energy saving projects

SOUTH CAROLINA: Chief Justice Toal says state's sentencing system is 'a scandal'

TENNESSEE: TVA's coal plants face biggest challenge with new regulations

VIRGINIA: Pilot program will have state monitoring air pollution from old power plants

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