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SANTA FE — Gov. Bill Richardson says he's considering a proposal to require industries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a move that would be similar to a newly enacted law in California.

Richardson said at a news conference Thursday that he is looking at the possibility of pushing legislation similar to a landmark California law that limits greenhouse gas emissions by power plants, oil refineries and other industries.

Earlier this year, California became the first state in the nation to enact such a law, which calls for a 25 percent reduction in emissions by 2020.

Richardson said he hasn't made a decision yet on whether such a measure will be part of his agenda for the upcoming Legislature, which convenes Jan. 16 for a 60-day session.

"We're considering it. Our plan is not developed," Richardson said. "But that is a possibility."

The governor made his comments after issuing an executive order that spells out goals and timetables for a variety of steps by state government to help combat global warming.

Some of the initiatives had been previously announced by Richardson, such as proposing tougher vehicle emissions standards for cars and trucks sold in New Mexico. The state Environment Department is expected to unveil its auto emissions proposal next fall.

Richardson has said he wants the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board to adopt standards like those in California and 10 other states, which mandate cleaner-burning cars and trucks to help fight global warming.

Richardson, who is eyeing a potential bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, has been advocating the increased use of renewable energy and a wide range of other initiatives that could bolster his environmental credentials if he enters the presidential race.

The executive order draws from recommendations submitted to Richardson by a task force he formed to study ways to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which is produced when oil, natural gas and other fossil fuels are burned.

Under the directive signed by Richardson, the Environment Department is to study and develop ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the oil and gas industry with a goal of reducing methane emissions by 20 percent by 2020. Among the recommendations of the governor's Climate Change Advisory Group is to improve efforts by the industry to prevent leaks of natural gas during production, processing and transportation.

The executive order also calls for the Regulation and Licensing Department to revise construction codes to improve energy efficiency of new buildings.

The governor has said he will propose requiring electric utilities to get at least 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2015 - instead of 10 percent by 2011 under current law - and 25 percent by 2020.