Without Republicans, Climate Bill Faces a Certain Senate Death

Supporters of the climate-change bill in the Senate are trying desperately to garner a few Republican votes to ensure that the measure survives. It would impose a so-called cap-and-trade system that would issue emission permits and gradually reduce the emissions allowed without adding to the federal deficit. But many Democrats have become uneasy about supporting a bill that could create lots of backlash at home from powerful industries and consumers afraid of price hikes. So, Democratic leaders are trying to convince at least six Republicans to support the legislation by including amendments to speed along the construction of nuclear power plants. Still, many doubt that will be enough to sway reluctant Republicans, particularly since their party's top booster for the legislation, Sen. Lindsey Graham, has been facing a barrage of negative publicity at home as a result of his support for the bill.

Read original story in The Washington Post | Monday, Nov. 2, 2009