Carbon-control bill faces steep hill in Senate

Dianne Feinstein says senators should postpone action until this fall when a better economy might help

Published July 20, 2010 8:05PM (EDT)

Senate efforts to pass an energy bill with carbon controls are in trouble as leaders are unable to find the needed votes.

Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California said Tuesday that senators should postpone action until this fall when a better economic climate might help. But some lawmakers say a delay would push the issue closer to an election in which Republicans hope for major House and Senate gains, making passage even less likely.

No Republican senators support proposals to set prices on heat-trapping carbon emissions. A compromise to put controls on emissions from only utilities haven't attracted the needed 60 votes.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Democrats will meet Thursday to seek "a way forward."


By Associated Press

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