Rockefeller may seek to force vote on blocking EPA climate rules

Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) — stymied thus far in his effort to delay EPA climate regulations — said he might seek a suspension of Senate rules to bring his legislation to the floor this year.

He would need 67 votes to suspend the chamber’s rules and bring his bill to the front of the line, making it extremely unlikely he could advance the measure. But it would give him a chance to effectively put members on the record on his bill to delay climate regulations.

Rockefeller’s office said Thursday he “has informed Senate leadership that he will insist on a vote on his EPA-suspension legislation this year. If left with no other option, Sen. Rockefeller will seek to suspend the rules on the omnibus appropriations bill to bring up his legislation.”

His bill would delay, for two years, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules to curb emissions from power plants, refineries and other stationary facilities that are slated to start being phased in next year.

“I have spent this year fighting to make sure that Congress, not the EPA, determines how best to reduce greenhouse gases in a way that protects West Virginia’s economy. While there are still ongoing discussions about how Congress should proceed, I want to make it clear that I intend to get a vote this year on my EPA-suspension legislation,” Rockefeller said in a statement Thursday.

“I know there is bipartisan support for this legislation, and if necessary, I will seek to suspend the rules and bring this up for a vote. This is too important for us to delay any further,” he added.

Earlier this year, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) indicated he would allow a vote on the Rockefeller bill, but he has since equivocated.