Battle over Climate Legislation Seen as Extending Beyond Beltway

The Hill (8/20, Snyder) – "The climate battle will be waged in the ornate setting of the U.S. Senate this fall, but for now the fight is taking place in humbler locales like local libraries, college campuses and county fairs as supporters and critics struggle for hearts and minds beyond the beltway." On "the heels of campaigns against the climate-change bill launched by oil companies and other opposing interests, unions and environmental groups kicked off a 22-state swing with a rally in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday to sell the bill's environmental and economic benefits." House-passed legislation "seeks to reduce carbon emissions by 17 percent by 2020 and by 83 percent by 2050, but the measure faces opposition from a number of business groups who fear higher energy prices will cost millions of jobs." Stoking "popular opposition to a carbon cap are various fossil fuel, farm and industrial groups that have mounted their own grassroots campaigns." Energy Citizens, an alliance including the NAM, are "sponsoring rallies to activate farmers and employees in the sector against climate legislation." Hat tip: NAM