The Obama administration is making a "last-ditch effort" to put together a climate and energy bill that may take on a hybrid shape to appease moderate Democrats and lure Republican support, according to a New York Times report.
White House and Congressional leaders reportedly are considering several basic policy options--none of which include an economy-wide cap-and-trade program.
The first option would set up cap-and-trade only for utility companies, combined with an energy bill.
Another option would be a strong energy bill, including energy efficiency measurs, with no cap-and-trade.
A third option is to do nothing this year, while continuing to push Republicans towards legislation in 2011.
Obama will address a meeting of top CEOs on Wednesday and is
expected to announce a proposal to incentivize coal-burning power
plants to switch to cleaner-burning natural gas.
Meanwhile, in
Congress, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham is working to make a deal
to draw Republicans across the aisle with promises of more support for
nuclear power and so-called "clean coal." Graham so far is the only
Republican to give support to climate change efforts being pushed by
Democrat John Kerry and Independent Joe Lieberman.
Read in-depth coverage at the link below.
