Democrats Feel the Heat From the Heartland, Push Back Timeline on Global Warming Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today commented on the announcement that Senate Democrats will push back their timeline on climate legislation.

"A firestorm of opposition arose from across the country this week as Democrats kicked-off debate on global warming legislation," Senator Inhofe said. "There is no question that the American public flatly rejected the House ramming through legislation that would have devastating impacts on American consumers. And, as EPA Administrator Jackson admitted this week, cap-and-trade without China and India will do nothing to affect climate-it will, however, ship jobs to China and India, which this week unequivocally rejected carbon controls on their economies."

"So with this delay, the public should expect more arm-twisting and backroom deals - or, in other words, more business as usual in Washington. The American public can rest assured that I will be here, as I have done over the past 10 years, to expose the details of this devastating bill every step of the way."

Senate panel delays action on climate change bill - washingtonpost.com

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The primary U.S. Senate committee responsible for writing climate change legislation will delay its work until September, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer said on Thursday.

Boxer, who earlier this week said she wanted her committee to finish writing its portion of legislation mandating reductions in carbon dioxide emissions before an early August recess, told reporters that instead, "We'll do it as soon as we get back" in September.

The delay could be a setback to President Barack Obama, who wants quick congressional action on a climate change bill.

Sen. Reid Pushes Back Deadline for Committee Action on Climate to Sept. 28 - NYTimes.com

Senate Democrats also must deal with Republicans who are itching for a fight on the climate bill, especially if it sticks closely to the House-passed measure.

"A 1,400-page monstrosity," was how Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a longtime supporter of cap-and-trade legislation, described the House bill yesterday.

Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), who supported a nationwide renewable electricity standard in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said he would not support a larger climate bill. "Absolutely and adamantly opposed to cap and trade," he said. "It's one of the worst ideas I can imagine you can force on the economy at this point in time."

Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) said that Reid should pull back on his plans for a fall debate on global warming. "I think he'll probably find the public reaction to this will be very bad," Kyl said. "He may want to rethink bringing it up in the Senate."