WASHINGTON - The lead writers of the Senate??s climate change bill are talking with energy industry leaders to win supporters, the New York Times reports.

Sens. John Kerry (D-MA), Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are in contact with the Alliance for Energy and Economic Growth (AEEG) to discuss their more business-friendly climate bill. The senators want the group??s endorsement to bring in new votes and to sidestep advertising campaigns that members like the American Petroleum Institute and U.S. Chamber of Commerce ran last year in opposition to the House energy bill.

"I??m delighted to have them at the table," said Kerry. "We??ll see whether we can reach a meeting of the minds. It??s one thing to be at the table; it??s another to meet the minds."

With a history of opposing bills that limit greenhouse gas emissions, several environmental groups are concerned about the senators meeting with AEEG officials. "The appearance is the senators have kissed so many polluter rings that a residue of soot has been left on the lips," said Frank O??Donnell, head of Clean Air Watch. "The senators appear to want to get a bill no matter how many corporate giveaways are involved."

Graham pointed out that passing a climate bill with a cost for greenhouse gas emissions needs industry buy-in. "Tell them to do it without the API and the Chamber," said Graham. "This has got to be better for business."

Last week, the three senators discussed concessions already made for the energy industry with AEEG executives, including Graham??s proposal to expand domestic gas, nuclear power and oil production.

For more on how climate change legislation would impact the convenience and petroleum retailing industry, see the NACS Issue Page.