A Senate resolution to block the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases failed narrowly Thursday, providing a temporary respite to environmental activists hoping to enact a mandatory cap on emissions before the end of the year.But the 47 to 53 vote showed that even in the wake of the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Congress remains divided over how best to address climate change. The contentious debate, in which some lawmakers suggested federal regulation would strike a devastating blow to the economy, suggested the Senate is far from decided on whether to put a price on the industrial emissions that stem from everyday activities such as lighting a home or driving a car.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who drafted the resolution that would have barred the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, said the central question was whether Congress or the administration would set the rules for curbing carbon dioxide. EPA administrator Lisa P. Jackson has already proposed rules that would subject large greenhouse gas emitters — such as coal-fired utilities and oil refineries — to federal regulation starting next year.
Several backers, including moderate Maine GOP Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia J. Snowe, said they were still open to the idea of Congress crafting a climate bill. But it is very unclear what form that measure would take, because there are now several competing proposals. Sen. Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.) just introduced legislation Wednesday that would promote energy efficiency and renewable fuels but would not place a price on carbon. Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) met with key committee chairmen Thursday in an effort to draft a compromise Democratic proposal that would impose an overall cap on greenhouse gases.
“They’re all over the place, which tells you there’s no clear direction,” said Bruce Josten, executive vice president for government affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “How many energy bills are floating around just in the Senate right now? It’s very confused right now.”
But Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, said he was confident the Senate would pass climate legislation next month provided President Obama continues to press for the measure. Washington Post
For those of you “in the loop” or just keeping score, here is all the info you would ever need to make a “good” decision on our nations energy and environmental needs:
- EPA Chief: “U.S. action alone will not impact CO2 levels”
- Cap-and-Trade’s Creator a strong Critic
- The Next Great American Bubble Cap-and-trade
- Climate “bill is a disaster”… A Missed Opportunity
- Climate Change, Carbon Trading, and Thievery – Crooks
- “Peak Oil May Solve the Climate Change Problem without Regulation.”
- Climate Change – An Atheist and a religion tool
- Senator Graham To Vote Against the Climate Bill He Wrote
- As the cost of energy rises… so will poverty in U.S. now at 1 in 5.
- Cap N Tax – “Job death blow” report from CBO
- Cap and Trade: Right Debate, Wrong Solution
StoryofStuff – Do we need Cap N Trade?
It is NO answer to any climate, energy or environmental problems…
The EPA maintains State Resource Locators and contact information for several topics: Air Quality – Ambient
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