Schumer stokes liberal fear about climate bill’s future

Similarly, a post on the liberal site Talking Points Memo notes, “In the latest blow to the prospects of climate and energy legislation, the third ranking Democrat in the Senate suggested today that Dems will start small, instead of bringing a comprehensive bill to the floor.”

Environmentalists are now scrambling for clarification from Senate Democratic leaders in the wake of Schumer’s comments on MSNBC Monday morning about the energy debate that Democrats plan to hold in July.

Schumer said that legislation authored by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), the chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, will be “the base bill upon which John Kerry will seek to add his bill.”

“We are not getting a quick confirmation from the Majority Leader’s office,” said one environmentalist in an interview with The Hill, referring to Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). “The question arises as to whether Schumer is freelancing or whether he is speaking for the leadership.”

Placing limits on greenhouse gas emissions faces widespread resistance among Republicans and is also opposed by some moderate Democrats. But environmentalists and many Democrats say that placing a price on carbon emissions is the only way to ensure a broad transition to alternative energy sources.

Environmental groups have long argued against an “energy only” approach that includes support for efficiency and green energy but steers clear of emissions limits.

“It is not going to make the aggressive changes that we need, so it is a bit disturbing that he [Schumer] is out there saying we will go with energy first and climate will get its amendment vote,” said Tim Greeff, political director for the Clean Economy Network, an advocacy group of entrepreneurs, investors and others involved with low-carbon technologies.

A spokesperson for Reid declined comment on Schumer’s remarks.

Reid is scheduled to meet Thursday with the chairmen of various committees that have jurisdiction over energy and climate policy.