Lobbyists lining up for shot at climate bill

The search for consensus on climate change legislation continues next week in the Senate, but it seems every day brings fresh reminders of how difficult that effort could be. Senate Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) has sought to entice wavering senators by stressing the legislation is as much about the economy as the environment. On Tuesday, her panel will examine how the clean-energy technologies' supporters say the legislation will improve local and state economies that have been withered by the recession. Previously, Boxer and the EPW Committee, which will write the climate bill, have looked at ways farmers and ranchers will benefit and ways the economy at large could remain competitive with other countries without carbon restraints if the United States moves forward on its own. "When we unleash the American innovative spirit, we will drive economic growth and create jobs and whole new industries here at home," Boxer said at a hearing on Thursday on clean energy and jobs. But even supporters acknowledge there may not be 59 other senators who share Boxer's optimistic economic outlook, and a number of industries remain wary of climate legislation. The American Petroleum Institute, which represents major oil producers, noted a study by the conservative Heritage Foundation that found the House bill could push gas prices back up to $4 a gallon. Even those industries more in tune with Boxer's vision are looking to mold the House climate bill more to their liking in the Senate, which could be difficult considering the Jenga-like structure of the measure...TheHill