After six years of preparation, California is poised to become the first state to combat global warming by capping greenhouse gas emissions and making major polluters pay to release more of these gases into the atmosphere.

It's part of a landmark law approved in 2006 that seeks to cut the state's production of carbon dioxide, methane and related gases to 1990 levels — about 17% lower than current amounts — by 2020.

Starting next week, big polluters will be required to buy pollution credits if they plan to emit greenhouse gases above their allotted levels.

Read more at the LA Times