Bayh cool to ‘utility-only’ global warming [scam] plan - The Hill's E2-Wire

Centrist Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh (Ind.) is unlikely to embrace the power plant-focused climate change measure Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) are struggling to keep alive in the wider Senate energy debate.

“That would be pretty difficult in my state,” Bayh told reporters in the Capitol Tuesday. “I am willing to look at the proposals but that would, No.1, not solve the climate change problem, and, No. 2, ask the citizens of Indiana to bear a disproportionate burden.”

Senate Democrats continue last-ditch talks to save climate plan - The Hill's E2-Wire

One of the options Reid has is to leave a carbon-pricing plan out of the bill and focus instead on getting the strongest combination of energy and oil spill language in the bill.

“It may be time to stop beating a dead horse,” said a former Senate Democratic aide involved in the climate talks. “This realization is broadly held, if rarely uttered publicly yet.”

“The fact that the same people were negotiating a year ago indicates the big tent has not been filled,” the former aide said. "It's time to call it a day on a climate cap and focus on issues that have broader support."

Kerry, Lieberman say they need more time on carbon talks - The Hill's E2-Wire

Lieberman on Tuesday suggested starting the debate on legislation this month and letting it carry over until after senators get back from the August recess.

“[The utility companies] want to work with us to see if they can negotiate an agreement on a utility-only bill,” Lieberman said. “But as far as they are concerned, they can’t do it in 10 days, so they pleaded for more time, and I think that is something we ought to consider.”

Senate Democrats to meet Thursday to hash out climate and energy strategy - The Hill's E2-Wire

Energy will be one of two topics at a Senate Democratic policy lunch Thursday, Reid said. “So we’re really not a point where I can determine what I think is best for the caucus,” he said.