US Climate Legislation Probably Doomed

Democrats are deeply divided on climate change legislation, and Republicans boycotted the hearings this week, which leaves little hope for passage of legislation this year.  The Senate Environment Committee held three days of hearings on the climate bill last week - it goes to committee debate today.   Democrats from the Midwest, South and Rocky Mountain West are concerned about the impact of the legislation on industry and consumers  Democratic leaders, along with the Obama administration, are attempting to persuade at least six Republicans to vote in favor by compromising on nuclear plants. So far, not one Republican seems interested. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) says she will begin the mark up on climate legislation regardless of the fact that all 7 Republicans on the Committee plan to boycott the proceedings. Republicans say Boxer can’t do a markup without at least two Republicans present. Boxer countered that a provision would allow her to proceed as long as a majority of committee members are present. Democrats outnumber Republicans 12 to 7. “We urge Ranking Member Inhofe, with the utmost respect, to bring the committee…