Rockefeller floats bill to delay EPA climate rules by two years

Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) introduced his bill to delay by two years the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions Monday.

“We must give Congress enough time to consider a comprehensive energy bill to develop the clean coal technologies we need and reduce our dependence on foreign oil, protect West Virginia and improve our environment," Rockefeller said in a statement. "We can address emissions and secure a future for the U.S. coal industry, but we need the time to get it right and to move clean coal technology forward.” 

Six centrist Democrats co-sponsored the legislation. They include: Sens. Jim Webb (D-Va.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.), Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) and Kent Conrad (D-N.D.).

It's the latest bill to block or delay EPA's climate authority. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced a bill earlier Monday to permanently block EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases. So far, support for the bills has broken down by party lines. Rockefeller's bill is co-sponsored by just Democrats and Barrasso's bill is co-sponsored by just Republicans.

The EPA is in the process of developing broad greenhouse gas standards for power plants and refineries that are expected to phase in next year.

Rockefeller tried unsuccessfully to get vote in the Senate for his bill last year.