CIG sources have revealed that the Senate Committee for Environment and Public Works saw an 11 to 1 in favor return on a vote to push through the “Boxer- Kerry” climate and energy bill.
It is understood that earlier in the week Senator Barbara Boxer, the committee chairwoman, found negotiations on adapting the bill deadlocked and announced two days of reflection before today’s milestone vote.
CIG believes that the all democrat vote was opposed by powerful Montana Democrat Senator, Max Baucus.
The Republican representation on the committee boycotted the vote to show dissent at the perceived lack of an inclusive analysis of its possible economic impact, calling the Senate climate measure and the earlier proposal passed by the House of Representatives a "tax" that the nation can ill-afford at a time of high unemployment and economic uncertainty.
It is unlikely that the Senate Democrats will manage much progress on climate matters ahead of December’s UN climate conference in Copenhagen, where it is hoped a follow on treaty to the Kyoto Protocol could be sealed.
Analysts have indicated that the credibility of such a treaty might hinge heavily on the U.S and China’s ability to commit to a concrete agreement, CIG sources report.
