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Lieberman: “allegations of partisan politics” derailed climate change bill

Written by

Daniela Altimari

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Call off the press conference: The climate change and energy bill that Sen. Joe Lieberman, John Kerry and Lindsey Graham worked on for months won’t be unveiled Monday as planned.

Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, said Saturday he can no longer participate in the negotiation process. His anger stems from the decision by Senate Democratic leaders to move ahead with a sweeping immigration overhaul before taking up the energy legislation. The departure of the only Republican to take an active role process could doom any hope of a comprehensive climate change bill in the Senate this year.
As recently as Friday afternoon, Lieberman said he believed the energy bill would move forward and that immigration had nothing to do with the bill he worked on with Kerry and Graham. 
Lieberman issued a statement a few moments ago saying he remains committed to the climate bill.

“I want to thank Senator Graham for his contribution to writing the American Power Act and I regret that allegations of partisan politics will prevent us from introducing the bill on Monday as planned,” Lieberman said. 

 

“I know from all of our work over the past year that Senator Graham shares our commitment to this bill that will create American jobs, move us closer to energy independence, and reduce pollution.  I look forward to Senator Graham rejoining our efforts after we work through the concerns that are preventing us from advancing a cause the three of us believe in so deeply.

 

“I remain committed to the American Power Act and am excited about what passage of the bill will do to promote energy security and invigorate our economy.  I will not give up and will continue to work with Senator Kerry, Senator Graham, and the broad coalition of industry and environmental support this bill has generated to pass the American Power Act this year.”

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