Obama still wants ‘comprehensive’ climate and energy bill

“The president remains committed to comprehensive energy and climate legislation. We are in touch with Senators Kerry, Lieberman and Graham, who are advancing those efforts in the Senate, as well as senators on the outstanding committees of jurisdiction that are working on the legislation,” the official said.

The official spoke on a call with reporters about tax credits for manufacturing alternative energy components that the administration awarded today.

The House narrowly approved legislation last June to create an economy-wide “cap-and-trade” plan to reduce emissions. The bill included a host of provisions on renewable energy, building efficiency and other issues.

But mandatory curbs on greenhouse gas emissions face significant Senate opposition, and passage is also complicated by a crowded agenda and the mid-term elections.