The GOP Energy Drain

The big Senate energy bill is now dead, the hostage having been killed by Republicans who wanted to insert amendments that would have permanently crippled the EPA's regulatory power over clean air and water, ended green energy projects, stopped Department of Energy research, and a host of other GOP anti-environment and anti-science initiatives.

Oh yeah, and the bill would have been a victory for two red state Democrats up for re-election.  Can't have that.

Only three Republicans, including its chief GOP sponsor, Sen. Rob Portman (Ohio), voted to end debate and move to a final vote. Supporters needed 60 votes to overcome a filibuster from Republicans angered that Democrats wouldn't allow votes on their amendments.

Monday's 55-36 vote followed days of negotiations that failed to yield a deal on amendments.The stalemate denied an important victory to the bill’s other sponsor, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), who faces a general-election challenge from former Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.).

Democrats accused Republicans of sinking the bipartisan bill to prevent Shaheen from touting a win on the campaign trail. She worked with Portman for three and a half years on the bill.

The legislation would have strengthened energy efficiency requirements for new homes and commercial buildings and encouraged private sector companies to develop energy efficient technology.

The filibuster also thwarted Sen. Mary Landrieu (La.), another vulnerable incumbent who sought a vote on the pipeline. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) promised a vote on Keystone if Republicans let the Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill reach a final vote.

So no energy bill, no Keystone XL vote, no anything because the Republicans were never willing to negotiate, just make more and more demands.

Reid said the final straw came after he promised Republicans a vote on a stand-alone bill authorizing Keystone. They again upped their demand by insisting on several other energy-related amendments, he said.

“They have held this bill hostage, this energy efficiency bill, as demand after demand has been met but even now they are still seeking a ransom,” Reid said Monday before the vote.

Shocking, I know.  And so another bill dies thanks to Mitch the Turtle and the useless GOP sacks of crap who block everything, and then blame President Obama for nothing getting done.