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California Assembly GOP Leader Resigns Over Climate Vote

SACRAMENTO (AP) -- The California Assembly's top Republican is resigning his leadership post after weeks of pressure from his party over his support for major climate change legislation.

Assemblyman Chad Mayes of Yucca Valley will be replaced next month as leader by Assemblyman Brian Dahle of Bieber, a tiny town in far northern California. Mayes has said for weeks he would not step down, but the 25-member caucus voted unanimously Thursday morning to install Dahle as leader.

Criticism of Mayes came quickly after he led seven Assembly Republicans in supporting a reauthorization of cap and trade last month. The cap and trade program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by charging polluters, which many Republicans argue hurts businesses and consumers.

The California Republican Party's board called on Mayes to resign last week.

© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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