Clean Energy-Climate Action Bill Passes House 219-212

by Emily Gertz · 2009-06-26 17:23:00 UTC
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The Waxman-Markey bill to expand clean energy and energy efficiency, and cap greenhouse gas pollution, has passed on a squeaky-close House of Representatives vote of 219 for, 212 against.

The Democrats managed to pull together enough members, despite sometimes stark differences of opinion on carbon caps, agricultural policy, continued use of coal, and other regionally-defined issues. One exception was Rep. Peter DeFazio, who (despite representing a largely liberal Oregon constituency) opposed the bill for creating, he said, a new way for speculators in financial derivatives (this time based on the price of carbon) to bring down the economy.

Meanwhile, eight Republicans bucked the party line to vote in favor of the American Clean Energy and Security Act: David Reichert (WA-8th), Mary Bono Mack (Calif-45th), Michael Castle (Del., At-large), Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2nd), John McHugh (NY-23rd), Chris Smith (NJ-4th), Leonard Lance (NJ-7th), and Mark Kirk (Ill.-10th).

The House Clerk has posted the full record of the vote.

Thanks to everyone who followed or joined me, Grist's Kate Sheppard, and the other political journo-wonks as we covered the debate and vote via Twitter. Now I'm off to rest my digits.

Video, above: Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), blew the House down when he exhorted his fellow representatives to pass the bill.

Emily Gertz
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