Update: Murkowski leaning toward EPA climate resolution over amendment

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is confirming that she probably won’t offer an amendment to debt ceiling legislation this week that would block EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions.

Murkowski has been mulling another path to thwart EPA: introducing a formal “resolution of disapproval” under the rarely used Congressional Review Act that allows Congress to overturn agency rules.

“At this point in time, my inclination is to proceed with the resolution of disapproval. I think that that is a more clear path forward,” she said at a GOP press conference Wednesday morning.

Her resolution, if successful, would overturn EPA’s “endangerment finding” that greenhouse gases threaten human welfare. The finding is a legal precursor to planned regulations that Murkowski opposes.

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) told reporters Wednesday that she’s working with Murkowski on proposals to prevent EPA from regulating the heat-trapping emissions under its current Clean Air Act powers.

Murkowski's efforts face major hurdles to clearing Congress and becoming law, but could provide a political signal about support for EPA rules if they garner significant Democratic support.

Obama administration officials say they want Congress to pass an emissions-cutting law but are prepared to proceed with EPA rules if Congress does not act.

Murkowski is vice-chair of the Senate Republican Conference and is also the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.