Washington (CNN) - A Senate committee Thursday approved a major climate change bill despite a boycott by all of the panel's seven Republican members.
Democrats on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted 11-1 to send the measure to the full chamber. Because of the Republican boycott of the committee hearing that began Tuesday, the panel was unable to amend the bill.
Committee rules require at least two minority party members to be present to conduct regular business, including amending bills before it. However, an exception allowed the committee to vote on the overall bill as long as a majority of its members were present.
The committee's Republicans were demanding a full Environmental Protection Agency analysis of the bill's economic impact before committee debate. Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma, the panel's ranking Republican and an outspoken opponent of the climate change legislation, warned that Democrats would imperil future work by the committee if they passed the bill on their
own.
An EPA analysis would take several weeks, and Democrats considered the Republican demand a stall tactic.
Sen. Barbara Boxer of California, the committee chairman, noted this week the panel has held dozens of hearings on the issue and compiled more than 300,000 pages of analysis, and that she had taken the unprecedented step of scheduling a session with EPA experts to answer any questions by committee members. However, the Republicans skipped the EPA briefing on Tuesday afternoon.
Boxer also said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, has promised the full EPA analysis sought by Republicans on the climate change bill that eventually comes before the entire Senate.
"The absence of the Republicans during the EPA's presentation was a clear message that their criticism of the EPA analysis was not a substantive one," Boxer said in a statement Thursday. "Indeed, the EPA said their economic analysis was 'unprecedented' in scope and was never done for any other energy or climate bill at this stage of the process."
The bill would set a cap on greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, and create a system of tradable pollution credits to ease the economic impact on polluters. The House has passed a similar measure, but the full Senate does not plan to take up the issue until next year.
Leading senators including Democrat John Kerry of Massachusetts, Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and independent Joe Lieberman of Connecticut announced Wednesday they were spearheading negotiations on a compromise Senate plan that could win enough support to overcome any filibuster attempt. Kerry co-authored the measure passed Thursday by the Environment and Public Works Committee.
Republicans contend the Democratic climate change bill would harm the U.S. economy by raising energy costs and giving other nations a competitive advantage.
Democrats say reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the nation's dependence on fossil fuels such as oil and coal is necessary and strategic as the world moves toward clean and renewable energy sources.
President Barack Obama and Democratic leaders wanted congressional action on climate change bills ahead of upcoming U.N. climate change talks in Copenhagen, Denmark to signal an increased U.S. commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The U.N. talks in December, intended to agree on a new global climate change treaty to succeed the Kyoto Protocol, have been hindered by disputes between industrial powers including the United States and emerging and developing economies including China over specific targets for emissions reductions.
Since taking office in January, Obama has signaled a new U.S. commitment to working with the international community on climate change after eight years of intransigence under the Bush administration. The United States and China are the world's two largest greenhouse gas emitters, with the U.S. per capita figure is by far the world's largest.
In July, Obama joined the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia in pledging to work for a 50 percent reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with developed countries cutting their emissions by an aggregate 80 percent or more to help meet that goal.
Sen. Max Baucus of Montana, the lone Democrat to vote against the climate change bill in Thursday's committee meeting, said he opposed its interim target of a 20 percent reduction in emissions by 2020. Baucus said he wants to reduce the target to 17 percent to avoid undue economic hardship from the bill.
The House bill passed earlier this year has a 17 percent target for 2020.
Updated: 7:03 p.m.
From CNN Politics
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Good for the Democrats.
Let's hope this is the start of a trend of leaving behind the Party of No and a start of a trend of getting stuff done.
The GOP needs to shut up. The way they present it, they are never involved in any discussions. I hope that only their rabid base listens to them.
Morons.
Move on for change into the future Democrats and continue to leave the Republican Party of NO behind; they are obstructive and have no solutions for anything.
Republicans = anything that protects American corporations profits
Democrats = anything that protects Americans.
Demagogues on the way out!
Arrogant, obfuscating, weak, whiner-in-chief in way-over his head!
I'm so proud of the Democrats for continuing with their mission when the obstructionists are trying to block everything. We voted for change, and we're getting it. Keep moving forward!
It is completely sickening that the Republicans are willing to destroy the planet and let our children deal with the consequences so long as there is short-term profit for the large business interests that they serve.
so be it for health care reform with public option...you have majority, and my blessing...
Gee, don't know why the Republicans wouldn't want to throw their support to this piece of garbage. Maybe because it would be yet another in the libs' attempts to destroy America?
Vote the libs out! That's what's best for America.
Does finding exceptions to the constitution qualify as working across the isle?
How's that change and hope stuff work again?
It is about time the DEMS use their power. GOP = THE PARTY OF NO!
Once again we see the party of NO opposing progress, modernization and energy independence. We must end our dependency on foreign oil and like anything else difficult in life, it means short-term pain for long term benefit! We must also develop the new technology, create a new industry and then sell it for profit to everyone else. Bush and the republicans sat back like idiots as our country bled good paying jobs overseas. Our president and congress are going to create a new industry with good paying jobs! Yes We Can!
Thesed stupid conservatives and their 'drill baby drill' mentality and transparent attempts to destroy President Obama at any cost are truly contemptable.
wow imagine this government doing something! Even after the ninnies took their ball , went home and pouted! Just keep going they aren't helping with governing anyway no matter what the issue is! Go For It!!
Cap and Trade is a joke.
It does nothing to reduce emissions. It simply fines those who go over their allotment or allows them to purchase pollution credits from other companies.
They will then simply pass the cost on to the consumer.
Welcome to the next Wall Street fiasco... I can see it now, pollution credits being traded like junk mortgages.
The country has numerous problems stemming from years of neglect of important issues ranging from critical infrastructure to the health of our fellow citizens and we have to act now despite the "party of no" republican indifference.
The republican party only seems interested in the gaining of wealth for a small percentage of Americans. The republican party seems to have no use for the vast majority of Americans except for their vote and their cheap labor.
The reports of only 20% or so identifying themselves as republicans shows how out of touch that political party really is in today's reality. The GOP really does stand for the "Greedy Old Party".
"warnings" like that are called threats- and if he really wanted more debate then he and his fellow Republicans should have shown up for work! That's what they are paid to do , not bycott hearings, not to threaten legislation.
When is this childishness going to stop in Congress?
Good and Good er. Continue to get things done and in 2010/2012 we will reward your hard work by voting for Democrats.
Let the party of no continue their fear/hate/obstructionist ways and they will lose in 2010/2012.
We want solutions and getting things done. Enough of the republicans' fear/hate/obstructionism/divide/racism/moral preaching.
If they want to be the party of 'no' or 'no show', they have no reason to complain. We the people can get by just fine without them. Failing that, ram it down their throats. Time to man up and get stuff done.
The Republican Party is not serious about protecting the environment from green house gases. The Republicans boycotted and walked out of trying to negotiate the best possible bill.
Republicans do not want to fix the health care system or the environment. Let them walk out and boycott while the democrats try to fix the mess the Republicans put us in. Their party put us in a ditch but don't want to help push us out. The complain and say "NO".
Good, if the party of NO ever rejoins the country, maybe they'll have a say in matters.
These Republican just don't get it so they . They have no solution to any major change in Washington , but they always have stupid rebuttal .
This is a veiled tax on all Americans that could exceed $1,500 a year.
Note to Republicans – Please stop wasting my tax dollars with your child-like antics. Complain about Democrats all you want, we ALL pay your salaries, now get to work.
Senator Max Baucas: Just imagine the inconvenience and loss of jobs/lives if we don't address even the threat that you and your co-opted friends think does not even exist! You need to be removed from any power you hold as you do not represent the best interests of this Nation or this World. Healthcare? NO, Everything good NO. Boycott the GOP–Grand Obstuctionist Party!
To all the 'Global Cooling' defenders all over. If the Earth is getting cooler and not hotter could you please explain:
- Why the North Pole is due to get melted enough during Summer so ship would be able to pass through it in a few years?
- Where all the permafrost of the mountains went the past 50 years?
- Why all the data you provide in your posts is not accepted by those who aren't in the Big Oil pockets?
Good for the Dems. Stand up to the party of no!
Inhofe-stop your dithering! Look at where it's gotten the planet after all these years of your nonsense! Kilimanjaro's snows and ice caps are actually melting away. The great mystical Northern passage will be open for business--there goes our fresh water reserve, folks.
Another hyped bunch of crap!
if you want to lower emissions and pollution in order to change climate...... the United States is not the answer.
try China on for size....... are you even aware of the impact that nation has on pollution? It's not even close.
otherwise..... try working on the economy for a change.... 10% unemployment is disgusting and nobody is interested in this weak-science political bill that will do little to improve climate and much to hinder recovery......
next.
I feel sorry for all those Republicans whose representatives ditched this important debate. Democracy is supposed to be about debate. If the GOP voluntarily forfeits their voice, then what's the point of them representing anyone.
Just because things might now go your way, doesn't mean you don't have an obligation to the American taxpayer, and your constituents, to voice your dissent.
Passing this legislation will guarantee a Republican sweep next November.
Transparency. I don't think so.
There you go Pass the bill and tell GOPERS to fly kite, They don't have
any Idias or planing what to do, every one knows they are party of "NO ". Any one notice GOP tea party on capitol hill? all their guest speakers seems to be un educated and their comments not intelegent at all................
More socialism from the Dems. So what if it increases taxes on everyone in the country that uses gas or electricty. Lets reduce greenhouse gases, that contribute to the myth known as global warning. Even though no one else in the world is doing it. Lets build millions of windmills, that no one wants to be able to see, and ignore nuclear. Since we are 30 years behind the rest of the world in nukes, they should be embarrassed. Another commie bill that will be repealed. TAX AND SPEND DEAD IN 2010 and 2012. Hopefully Boxer is shown the door, she is worhtless.
Good for the committee Democrats. Hopefully the rest of the Democrats will follow suit and move on without the republican if they do not wish to be constructive participants in the legislative process. They did nothing to improve the lives of American citizens when they controlled the federal government; now they want to stand in the way of any attempt at progress.
Humans expel 1.2 liters of methane and carbon dixoide per day with 11 billion of us on the planet that a lot of global warming. maybe we should amend the bill to include restrictions human created gas. Lets' start with Democrats and environmentalist who don't understand thay are ruining our economy..
Has anyone considered that the earth is righting itself through the vast changes it's going through? What we need most is garbage boats and trucks to clean us the waste strewn about weighing heavy on the earth; bring down some of the space junk so earth can work in the order it was designed. ....just a thought.
AWESOME! We need more going around the party of NO hope! I am tired of them trying to tell us how it will be. THEY LOST, and for good reason. I am so glad this bill is going through...Its important for the future of our children and our planet! FINALLY a president that cares about US and not OIL!
Wow, how inclusive. This is what you get people when you put kids in charge of the candy shop. Without adult supervision and input (GOP) the kids will do as they please. I wonder why Obama does not get involved and urge the dems to be more inclusive? I guess it is because Obama is a LIAR. He said that things would be open and inclusive, but that was just to get elected. I hope that the democrats remember how they have been treating the GOP, because the will regain power one day. When they do, don't be surprised if Woe v. Wade gets over turned, gay marriage gets a national ban, and a myriad of dem hot button issues get thwarted just because they can.
Wish I could 'boycott' my JOB! Then again, that's simply the typical Republican mentality, never work, complain and STILL expect to be paid. Just moer proof that we should NEVER again elect a republican. But, there are those retards out there that will vote for one.
Thank goodness we have SOME people that actually DO work, all democrats of course, as usual!
WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?? They boycott everything that is helpful to the general public and middle-class.
Ponzi would be proud. Get your new light bulbs, you'll reduce emissions slightly, but be bringing mercury into your home. If I break a light bulb today, I don't have to call a Haz-Mat team to come inspect my property but in a few years, I will. Does that make sense to anyone? Please explain.
If China doesn't comply (which they have said they won't) we'll only be hurting ourselves.
I wish these do-gooders would stay the hell out of my life. If Al Gore were sincere, his electric bill per month wouldn't be 20 times what mine is in a year. And, he's gone most of the time, jet setting around the globe peddling his snake-oil. If he rode a bicycle and didn't eat meat I might give him a little more credit.
If these clowns were really serious, we'd have a lot of nuclear plants under construction now. Use the stimulus money for that! All those construction jobs, complete energy production that is TOTALLY carbon-free. Until they take these measures, I'm not taking ANY of them seriously!!!!!!!
Its about time. Maybe its starting to sink into Democrat heads that THEY are in charge, and they should ignore the Republicans.
good... they don't need to be apart of something good anyway.
This is what you have to do Democrats. Tell the Republicans to vote or stay at home. Good job.
This is very important legislation and needs to be moved forward regardless of Republican opposition. Hopefully te Democrats can figure a way to muster 60 votes and get a bill to the President ASAP.
America please remember that the GOP boycotted!
Let's remember that the GOP denies Climate Change!
Let's remember that once again the GOP is on the wrong side of history, so that IF it is too late........ We, the People, know who to blame when Florida and the West Coast is under water!
Republicans always claim measures they oppose are job killers. you know what killed jobs during this recession? irresponsible spending and tax cuts for the rich.
it is time America look beyond the selfish interests of the rich and address issues that affect us all. there will be plenty of money to be made in green energy and responsible environmental policy, and we will be saving our own skins to boot.
We have complete morons on both sides of the aisle. But Inhoffe is a prime example of a stupid guy who let special interests buy his way into the seat he has, and is very beholding to those interests (big oil in this case) so much so that he is willing to act against the best interests of his country and his constiuency.
What a surprise, the Party of No is at it again.
I assume this will be named the Kerry – Boxer Bill unless Barbara, I mean Senator Boxer, takes offense to second billing. Where's the OMB report on how few billion this will cost and how many jobs it will create, or did I get that backwards?
It's amazing to me that the GOP is for anything destructive, such as blowing up cities in Iraq, but they will fight tooth and nail against anything CONstructive, such as healthcare reform and climate change bills.
What gives?
Are you all really that miserable?
GET THESE PEOPLE OUT OF POWER!!! Immature Republicans giving the silent treatment and stupid Democrats threatening our economy even more! FIRE THEM ALL!!!!!!
Awesome! A former stockbroker and a lawyer heading the committee to kill our manufacturing base by setting energy policy. I think GE is going to make some big money here. Wait, doesn't GE own MSNBC? Maybe that's why the news they give is a bit skewed toward what this administration and Congress wants to do.
Hey, if they can make those CFL bulbs, have Rachel Maddow tell the lemmings that mercury filled lights are GOOD for you, and give Obama, Boxer and Kerry some "donations" for passing legislation to MANDATE what kind of light bulbs MUST be used when we move to the SMART GRID, maybe they'll get a nice return on their investment.
Same old Washington game, different players. Change you can believe in?
Amazing GOP and their supporters. They all on mission to destroy america unless they purify their party with maniac psycopath uneducated teabaggers.
Give them few more months until gas price rose to $4.00 a gallon and they will come back on the news and cry Drill Baby Drill.
Its about time the Democrats called the Republican's childish bluff........If Republicans don't want to come to the table (literally) to discuss important issues such as climate change, their constituents should elect representatives who do.....
Good. This was the GOP volunteering not to participate in an important decision decision-making process...not in any way, shape or form was it the Dems railroading them. The dems were left holding the ball and did what needed doing, i.e., made a decision. You may not like the decision, but you don't get to complain if you voluntarily forswore your role in it being made. If you don't come to the table, you don't get fed, period.
Obstruct, obstruct, obstruct–Republicans can't do much else. If you're not there and you're not cooperating, why should Democrats listen to anything you say?
You need to understand one BIG change that the Obama administration is following (not sure if everyone notices this)
LEAD BY EXAMPLE!!!!
You cannot go to the world body asking for more IF you yourselves do not do enough first!!!
This is good for us – Cheney NEVER believed in such principles and considers this stupid....
Hey Republicans, you are not participating in governing. If you don't play, you lose. Thanks for letting the democrats do whatever they want.
the plan is to outlaw all volcanos and lava flows starting 2010.
It is definitely time to make a rule in the House and Senate where people that don't do their jobs, lose their jobs
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH of this Republican OBSTRUCTIONISM ...
On Foxnews GOP members say they're being locked out of meetings. I have trouble believing this...
This is all so Goldman Sachs and the financial barrons can create a market where none currently exists. Once created, they will use their enormous power to pump up costs that you and I will end up paying for in the end. Ask Matt Taibbi, writer for Rolling Stone. They did it with housing, worthless AIG credit default swaps, oil, and now they're looking for the next boondoggle. Will we fall for it again? Probably because both parties are in on it. All this from a former liberal who actually had false hope for the new kids in DC.
gee thats a surprise ,,,,, al gore and his chicken little" the sky is falling "was taken in hook line and sinker by these old , out of touch senators , who are all rich and dont have to worry about a job,,, so long jobs,,,, thanks for nothing,,,,
Good. Keep ignoring the GOP idiots and come 2010 and 2012, voters will do the same. They're all childih fools.
Good for them. It's about time forget about the gop and get things done. When the gop see that they are moving without them-they will come around.
Yeah! They did the right thing, we need to save our planet so that future generations can enjoy it. The GOPers obviously only care about today, and I guess don't care about the planet that we will be leaving to our children.
The idiot Dems are just determined to ruin the economy, aren't they?
How childish will the GOP get? Time for them to "man up", show up and continue the work they have been elected to do.
In case any of you are interested in FACTS over the spin, feel free to read the bill before making up your mind as to whether you are for or against it. (Yeah, I know most of us have no interest in facts at all).
The full text of the bill is on congress.gov.
Search by bill number: S. 1733
A bill to create clean energy jobs, promote energy independence, reduce global warming pollution, and transition to a clean energy economy.
Hopefully Republicans continue to sit out all votes in congress so we can fix the disastrous and humiliating failures of the 12 years of Right Wing Conservative Republican rule in the House and Senate.