A public survey on recommendations in a climate change report found recycling to be among the most popular ideas, and boosting ethanol production among the least popular.

The recommendations come from the governor's Climate Change Advisory Committee. More than 50 ideas for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are now in front of a legislative interim committee.

That committee is looking at the recommendations to see which they would like to support in legislation next year.

Nearly 2,000 of the online surveys were filled out.

The most popular recommendation was increasing Montana's solid-waste recycling rates to 17 percent by 2008 and more down the road. It received positive comments from 63 percent of respondents, the Legislative Services Division said.

Other proposals with high marks include buying efficient state fleet vehicles, reforestation programs, programs to encourage the use of local food sources, consumer education programs, new energy efficient building codes and reduction of greenhouse gases in some oil and gas operations.

However, incentives for capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide were unpopular. It was among the least popular ideas in the survey, along with carbon taxes and new emission restrictions on cars or off-road vehicles.

Comments were particularly strong against the notion of going ''beyond federal emissions standards for cars and light trucks.''

''California is NOT a great example of how to run a state,'' one respondent wrote. ''This too will add cost to consumers with no clear benefit.''

Another followed suit, writing, ''Become more like California????? Arrrrrgggggghhhhh!!''

Supporters of the extra restrictions, though, said it makes sense for Montana to take the lead on vehicle emissions, including lawnmowers and off-road vehicles.

Others disagreed, saying light vehicle emissions need to be tackled as part of the initiative.

''This is one of the most important recommendations,'' a respondent wrote. ''Given that transport is one of the largest sectors of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in both Montana and nationwide, this recommendation is vital.''

The initiatives also faces skeptical lawmakers.

''I don't want to let California decide what Montana's policy will be,'' Sen. Robert Story, R-Park City, said in legislative committee comments to the plan. ''After they adopt standards and they are proven effective, then we should look at this option.''

Most of the recommendations in the climate change report would require adoption by the 2009 Legislature. A few minor changes can be implemented by Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who has so far launched an energy savings initiative for state government.

Overall, the measures aim to reduce greenhouse gases in Montana to 1990 levels by 2020.

So far, Schweitzer has said he is uncertain if he can support all of the recommendations.

Click here for more on the survey and to read public comments posted online.