Murkowski receives Democratic support for EPA legislation

By Juliet Eilperin

In a sign that could spell trouble for the Obama administration, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) announced Thursday she would join Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in co-sponsoring legislation that would block the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.

"I am very concerned about the burden that EPA regulation of carbon emissions could put on our economy and have questions about the actual benefit EPA regulations would have on the environment," Lincoln said in a statement. "Heavy-handed EPA regulation, as well as the current cap and trade bills in Congress, will cost us jobs and put us at an even greater competitive disadvantage to China, India and others.We can make immediate gains to reduce carbon emissions by sending the President bipartisan clean energy legislation produced by the Senate Energy Committee. This legislation, coupled with energy tax incentives, will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and incentivize renewable energy, all while improving the environment and creating much-needed jobs."

Other Democrats may join Murkowksi and Lincoln in their efforts, according to sources, when the Alaskan senator outlines her plans in a floor speech this afternoon. These backers could include Democratic Sens. Mary Landrieu (La.) and Ben Nelson (Neb.), a show of support that underscores the challenges proponents face in getting 60 votes for a nationwide cap on carbon emissions.

By

Juliet Eilperin

 |  January 21, 2010; 11:43 AM ET Save & Share:                 
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