Two weeks ago, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) announced that Senate action on climate change (i.e., the cap-and-trade greenhouse gas bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in June, 2009) would be postponed until Spring, 2010. For all practical purposes, however, this means that cap-and-trade greenhouse gas legislation is dead, not only for the year 2010 but also for at least the remainder of this Presidential term.

Two weeks ago, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) announced that Senate action on climate change (i.e., the cap-and-trade greenhouse gas bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in June, 2009) would be postponed until Spring, 2010. For all practical purposes, however, this means that cap-and-trade greenhouse gas legislation is dead, not only for the year 2010 but also for at least the remainder of this Presidential term.

Senators from major power-consuming states will be most reluctant to vote for a measure such as this which significantly increases energy costs during a deep recession. In addition, the current "Climategate" scandal will hinder the passage of any climate change bill, but more on that in my next article.

The Obama administration, however, remains firmly committed to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Since legislation is not a viable option, they will attempt to mandate these reductions through regulation. One must... [continue via Web link]

Web link: http://www.politickernj.com/alan-steinberg/35144/u...