On Wednesday the United States Senate rejected a Republican led effort to block the Environmental Protection Agency from regulated carbon, with a 50-50 vote. Sixty votes were needed to secure passage.
Four Democrats voted in favor of the measure: Sens. Ben Nelson, Neb., Mark Pryor, Ark., Mary Landrieu, and Joe Manchin, W.Va..
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine was the sole GOP “no” vote.
The failure of the last Congress to pass “cap and trade” has raised fears among conservatives that the Obama administration would pursue the same goal through the EPA, without Congressional approval.
Republican Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, Ky., and Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla. had been pushing for a vote on this amendment for weeks.
Earlier, three Democratic alternatives failed with overwhelming bipartisan opposition.
