Bush sees green reasons for nuclear power

Key Republican backs off
Domenici, chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, said last week he might co-sponsor Democrat Jeff Bingaman’s more stringent plan to slow the growth of U.S. greenhouse gases with an emissions trading program beginning in 2010 tied to U.S. economic growth.

But after talking to the White House and other Republicans, Domenici said he would not support the Bingaman measure.

“This is just too tough to do quickly,” Domenici said. “I expect we will have a series of hearings and I hope we can reach some sort of accommodation on all aspects of a climate proposal. But that will take time.”

The Bingaman plan was based on the results of a bipartisan energy study commission. Environmental groups expressed lukewarm support for it, saying it did not go far enough.

After losing Domenici’s support, Bingaman said he would not offer his approach as an amendment to the energy bill.

Offshore oil survey
Also on Tuesday, the Senate refused to strip from the energy bill language calling for a federal inventory of oil and natural gas in waters off states where drilling is now banned. An attempt by Florida’s Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez to drop the measure failed on a vote of 44-52.

Critics said the survey could eventually lead to opening those waters to energy exploration and hurting tourism, which is a crucial part of Florida’s economy. Survey supporters said the government must know how much oil and gas lies within 200 miles of the U.S. shoreline.

The Senate is on track to to approve a broad energy package this week with some $14 billion in tax incentives over 10 years to encourage more domestic production of oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear and alternative energy.

MORE FROM ENVIRONMENT

Environment Section Front

Farm town wants answers on birth defects   U.S. expands efforts to regulate meds in water Acidic oceans: Warming's 'evil twin' Last of rare rhinos moved in bid to breed China blasts claim it 'hijacked' climate talks South Pole trekkers deal with temp swings Nostalgia burns bright for old Christmas lights EarthTalk Q&A: green business, salmon runs Once climate central, EU now on outside looking in Climate reality: Voluntary efforts not enough Environment Section Front   Add Environment headlines to your news reader: