Tuesday, May 25, 2010 4:36 PM
Graham Pushes 'Smaller' Energy Bills
By Amy Harder, NationalJournal.com
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said today the Senate should look to pass "smaller versions" of energy and climate legislation in lieu of a comprehensive approach.
"I don't see 60 votes right now for capping carbon and expanding offshore drilling," Graham said after the GOP's weekly policy luncheon. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has "made it a harder climb, so let's do smaller versions of an energy-climate bill."
He said the Senate could look to pass bills on nuclear power and alternative energy sources that would give the U.S. a boost "before China owns the whole alternative energy economy," and "without having to price carbon and expand drilling." This is a change from statements he made during his energy and climate talks with Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Joe Lieberman, I/D-Conn., when he said that pricing carbon was an essential part of the equation.
President Obama addressed Republicans at their luncheon today. When asked if Obama was open to moving forward with an energy-only bill, Graham responded: "Not particularly. He was talking about making sure China doesn't own the alternative energy economy. I agree with that."
Obama also urged Republicans to consider legislation to cut carbon emissions, saying that the gulf oil spill gives reason for quick action, senators said. According to Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., Obama argued the spill will eventually make moving energy legislation harder because it will bring up fights over coastal drilling.
"He said if we don't do an energy bill shortly, it will prevent us from getting anything done in the future," said Bunning, who noted he opposes either course.
Graham, meanwhile, said he disagrees with Obama on how the oil spill has affected the political landscape. "I don't think many people believe that the oil spill has helped to get more votes for offshore drilling," he said.
Dan Friedman contributed to this report.
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