Bush to talk greenhouse gases with European leaders

BEDFORD, Virginia (CNN) - White House officials say President Bush will take time during a trip to Europe next week to outline new ideas for an international effort to reduce the greenhouse gases many scientists blame for global warming.

The officials say the recommendations are still in draft form, but were discussed with the president Tuesday at a meeting of top energy, environment and national security advisers.

Japan and many European allies have criticized the Bush administration's opposition to the Kyoto treaty on global warming. Mr. Bush has said -- going as far back as the 2000 presidential campaign -- that he views the treaty as unworkable for many reasons, including the exemptions it would give to developing nations.

One proposal before senior administration officials calls for a voluntary system that would set targets for reducing emissions and offer incentives to industries that meet or exceed the targets. Companies that exceed their limits could purchase credits from industries that are well below the targets, as long as their overall targets are met.

The issue is certain to be a major point of discussion during the president's trip to Europe -- there have already been protests in his first stop, Spain, that have criticized the administration for denouncing the Kyoto treaty.