Senate Votes Down Measure to Block EPA Regulation of Greenhouse Gases

In a 47-53 vote, the U.S. Senate barely voted down a measure Thursday that would have blocked the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gas emissions.

The resolution, proposed by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), was in response to the EPA's efforts to regulate carbon dioxide emissions under the Clean Air Act. The measure faced opposition from most Democrats and the White House, according to MEMA.

Supporters of the measure believe that Congress should have a hand in drafting climate change legislation, not just EPA, according to reports by the Associated Press. They also fear the EPA's rules would lead to increased energy costs and lost jobs, the AP said. Six Democrats voted in support of the measure.

"I had hopes, for the security of our economy, that we would prevail today," Murkowski said, in a statement. "But regardless of the outcome, I believe it's important that every member of the Senate is on the record on whether they think the EPA regulation is the appropriate way to address climate issues."

Meanwhile, those against the proposal argue that blocking EPA's authority would cause greater dependence on oil and more pollution.

"We all know the high stakes in continuing our dependence on oil," said Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). "The spill in the Gulf will cause untold economic damage while our reliance on foreign oil makes us more vulnerable. We should be doing much more to encourage the development of red, white and blue clean energy technology that we can make here in America and export to the world."

The move could signal a positive step forward for President Obama's climate change policy, the AP said.