GOP Senator Considering Rider to Limit EPA Authority on Greenhouse Gases

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) may attempt to handcuff U.S. EPA’s ability to regulate stationary sources of greenhouse gases with an amendment to the agency’s annual spending bill.

Murkowski, ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, may introduce an amendment (pdf) to the fiscal 2010 Interior and environment appropriations bill that would allow EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions only from mobile sources, and prohibit the agency from regulating heat-trapping emissions from stationary sources like power plants and industrial facilities.

“Senator Murkowski is concerned about the economic consequences of EPA command-and-control regulation of emissions,” said spokesman Robert Dillon. The senator plans to file the amendment, Dillon said, adding that he did not know whether a decision has been made to press for a vote.

The Senate began debate yesterday on the $32.1 billion spending bill for the Interior Department, EPA and Forest Service. The chamber is expected to resume consideration of the measure Monday.

NY Times