[greenyes] Energy bill is blocked in Senate

[Lisa Heller <Lisa_Heller@no.address>]

FYI - just heard... but there may be a another vote next week...

WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- The Senate blocked a final vote on a massive 
energy bill, potentially killing the legislation. The chamber fell 
two votes short of a 60-vote supermajority needed to end a 
filibuster. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., who initially 
voted to end debate, then changed his vote to "no," which gives him 
the right to call another procedural vote to end debate. Frist said 
another vote could come next week. Supporters of the energy bill, 
which includes around $32 billion in tax breaks, subsidies and new 
spending, say the package will boost domestic energy production, 
increase the reliability of the electricity grid and create jobs. 
Critics call it a giveaway to big energy companies that will do 
little to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil while harming the 
environment. The package faced opposition from Democrats upset by 
provisions that would shield makers of petroleum-based gas additive 
MTBE from defective product lawsuits, as well as Republicans unhappy 
with the size of the package.
--
Lisa K. Heller
Lisa_Heller@no.address