Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.): Let's treat carbon dioxide like lead

Obama: Yes to 2011 climate bill push - POLITICO.com Print View

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee ranking member Jim Inhofe signaled Tuesday that he's not giving up on the fight to block carbon caps, even if just on power plants.

"I welcome the debate next year over President Obama's vision for energy policy, which, despite having been decisively rejected this year, still consists of higher taxes, higher energy prices, and more bureaucracy," the Oklahoma Republican said. "Contrast that with the Republican vision, which will provide consumers with more affordable energy and greater energy security for America."

Yet Obama may find some wiggle room to work with others, including Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), who predicted gains on energy legislation if Republicans narrow the Democrats' majority in November.

Speaking last week at a panel hosted by the Washington Post, Alexander said he'd be open to a paired back form of climate legislation that he has supported in past years. "Maybe we just put a lid on carbon from smokestacks, tie it to production of nuclear and treat it like lead," Alexander said.