Kansas’ largest electric utility has signed an agreement with the state to voluntarily reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The agreement is the first of its kind between a utility and the state Department of Health and Environment.

The agreement doesn’t set specific targets for reductions. But Westar does agree to inventory its CO2 emissions and evaluate how to reduce them at its power plants.

The state’s secretary of health and environment, Rod Bremby, has said he wants to pursue such voluntary agreements. He says the state can’t ignore the dangers posed by global warming. Many scientists link climate change to CO2 emissions.

Westar Vice President Kelly Harrison said Westar’s customers expect it to be good stewards of the environment.