Grassley: Murkowski measure to block EPA rules unlikely to pass

An amendment to block the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating greenhouse gas emissions is unlikely to succeed, a supporter conceded Tuesday .

Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) said that not even all 40 Republicans may be on board with a proposed measure from Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) to forestall the EPA from regulating emissions.

"As a practical matter, I think it's difficult to get 51 votes when you have 60 Democrats, and they tend to so much follow the environmental line. There would be maybe trouble getting it passed," Grassley said during a conference call with Iowa reporters. "And I wouldn't even want to say that all 40 Republicans would vote for it, but I think it overwhelmingly have the support of Republicans."

Democratic leaders agreed to allow a vote on Murkowski's amendment -- if she chooses to offer it, which, as of Monday was unclear.

Even if Murkowski does offer the amendment and somehow pass the Senate, Grassley asserted the provision would likely be dead-on-arrival in the House, and with President Barack Obama.

"Let's suppose it passed the Senate. What about the House? I think it'd be difficult there unless it becomes a big political issue between now and the election," the Iowa Republican explained. "But then that process is subject to a veto."

Grassley did hint that Murkowski could offer the provision as a rider to another appropriations bill as a short-term effort to block EPA regulations.

The EPA has moved to regulate greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change since being granted the agency authority. Republicans have protested those moves as a back-door attempt at new climate change rules for the U.S.

This story first appeared in our Blog Briefing Room.