Sen. Murkowski to Seek Vote on Jettisoning Endangerment Finding

The measure would void a few EPA rules relating to greenhouse gas emissions.

May 19, 2010

WASHINGTON - Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) will put her resolution to reverse the Environmental Protection Agency??s (EPA) finding that six gases, including methane and carbon dioxide, are dangerous to the environment and health of Americans, BNA Daily reports. The senator plans to have the vote by June 7.

Her resolution would void a few of the rules EPA issued to control greenhouse gas emissions under the umbrella of the Clean Air Act. Recently, the agency distributed the Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule that would check the impact of greenhouse gas regulations on small companies and other minor stationary emissions sources.

In February, Murkowski first introduced her resolution, S.J. Res. 26, and now she will use procedures in the Congressional Review Act to make the Senate decide on whether to annul the endangerment finding. In the House, similar legislation, H.J. Res. 77, has been introduced.

The Congressional Review Act requires a minimum of 35 senators signing a petition in order to force the Senate to look at the resolution. Currently, Murkowski has 40 senators on board, including two Democrats.

Under the procedures, the Senate will need to look at the resolution by June 7. The Obama administration and Senate Democrats are trying to stop the proposal from passing, as passage of the resolution would nullify any gains toward approval of climate and energy bills.

Passage of the House version faces more obstacles, because there are no quick review regulations under the Congressional Review Act. President Barack Obama is highly likely to veto any measure even if approved by both houses.

Industry groups are marshalling their troops to ensure passage of the resolution. The National Mining Association asked its members to call their senators in support of the resolution, while the U.S. Chamber of Commerce also wants its members to contact their senators to favor the resolution "because of the enormous permitting and compliance costs EPA regulation would force upon businesses large and small."

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