Analysis: GOP backing for Murkowski EPA plan doesn’t sink climate bill

A bit more about the defeat Thursday afternoon of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s (R-Alaska) resolution to block EPA climate change rules ...

No Republicans broke ranks and joined the large majority of Democrats to vote against it (although six Democrats voted with Republicans for Murkwowski's failed plan). But a snap analysis by the consulting firm ClearView Energy Partners says the unified GOP vote isn’t necessarily a bad sign for climate legislation that may come to the floor this year.

Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) are pushing for a vote on their climate bill called the “American Power Act.”

From the note ClearView circulated after the vote:

No Republicans voted against the resolution. This does not mean, however, that that all 41 Republicans will vote against a climate bill that could deliver substantial economic benefits to their states. Although American Power Act architect Lindsey Graham (R-SC) remains opposed to the legislation he helped craft, we reiterate that, with (a) a pro-drilling, pro-safety compromise that provides political “containment” of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill; and (b) explicit support by coal state Democrats, Senator Graham and other green-leaning Republicans may find themselves with the opportunity to negotiate even greater provisions on behalf of their constituents in return for offering the decisive votes in support of passage (60 Senate votes would be required).