US Senate defeats move to stop EPA CO2 regulation

[The Straight Story]

US Senate defeats move to stop EPA CO2 regulation

* EPA could still face legal challenges from industry



WASHINGTON, June 10 (Reuters) - The Senate on Thursday killed legislation that would have stripped the Environmental Protection Agency's power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from large factories, electric power companies and automobiles.

The defeat of the Republican-inspired measure knocked down the most serious legislative challenge the EPA faced on regulating planet-warming gases, though it may still face lawsuits from companies and industry groups.

In a procedural move, the Senate voted 53 to 47 to block the bill offered by Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski.

The EPA was relieved. "We managed to avoid taking a big step backwards, and now it's time to come together and focus on creating clean energy jobs and moving into an energy independent future," said agency spokeswoman Adora Andy.

The defeat of the bill could give new life to the effort in Congress to pass a broad energy and climate legislation, a top goal of President Barack Obama's even before the BP Plc (BP.L) oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1012304420100610

[DavidDvorkin]

1. That's good news

Next thing to worry about is the loon majority on the Supreme Court, if this ends up there.

[The Straight Story]

2. Hopefully by the time it does the SCOTUS will look a tad different (nt)