With Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) announcing his support for Sen. Lisa Murkowski's (R-AK) Resolution of Disapproval of the EPA's Endangerment Finding, the measure appears to be within reach of passing. Murkowski has 41 co-sponsors including three Democrats: Sens. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Ben Nelson of Nebraska.
As it now stands, Murkowski will need the votes of at least seven Democrats, if the three Republicans who declined to co-sponsor also vote no. Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine is most likely a no vote but this still leaves Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts.
Rockefeller had pushed for alternative legislation that would block the EPA from regulating industrial sources for two years, but he had trouble mustering support. His endorsement of the Murkowski resolution could provide cover to other Democrats who had supported his alternative effort. Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad of North Dakota, and Tim Johnson of South Dakota also co-sponsored Rockefeller's bill and should be viewed as potential swing votes in favor of Murkowksi's effort.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
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