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However, Lincoln, one of three Democrats who signed on, said the legislative action shows growing dissatisfaction in the Senate about the economic consequences of an EPA regulatory scheme.

“Heavy-handed EPA regulation, as well as the current cap-and-trade bills in Congress, will cost us jobs and put us at an even greater competitive disadvantage to China, India and others,” she said.

NRECA has consistently opposed using the Clean Air Act to regulate carbon dioxide, saying that Congress should address climate change concerns through legislation that keeps consumer pocketbooks at the front and center of the debate.

“We applaud Sen. Murkowski’s efforts and we agree that it would be a big mistake to attempt to regulate carbon through the Clean Air Act,” NRECA CEO Glenn English said.

Climate change policy will be a focus of next month’s NRECA 68th Annual Meeting in Atlanta, he added.

Murkowski’s resolution will be considered by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. She said she will consider employing a parliamentary tactic to force a floor vote on the resolution, perhaps by early spring, even if the committee does not back it.

Tags: Carbon Dioxide, Climate Change Legislation, Environmental Protection Agency, Legislation