Source: The Hill

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will bring a limited package of oil spill response and energy measures to the floor next week, delaying action until at least this fall on a broader proposal that would impose greenhouse gas limits on power plants, senior Senate Democratic aides said.

Aides insisted Reid’s decision is a nod to the packed floor schedule the Senate faces before it leaves in two weeks for the August recess, and that he he has not abandoned plans to try and bring up a broader climate and energy plan later in the year.

But other legislative priorities and election-year politics may scuttle the wider climate and energy plan altogether.

For now, the limited package expected on the floor this month will likely allow Democrats to push through a response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill — such as tougher rig safety requirements — and perhaps some energy provisions that members of both parties could support.

The bill will not include a renewable electricity production mandate boosting power sources such as solar and geothermal that are key industries in Reid’s home state of Nevada.

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wi...

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UPDATE 1-Sen. Kerry says chances for climate bill 'tough'

* US senator doesn't see votes for climate bill

* Reid expected to produce energy bill soon

* Kerry had pared down his bill to utilities

By Timothy Gardner

WASHINGTON, July 22 (Reuters) - Democratic U.S. Senator John Kerry, the main proponent of congressional action to tackle climate change, acknowledged on Thursday it could be "very tough" to pass such a bill in Congress.

As the August congressional recess approaches, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is struggling to craft a bill that would win the 60 votes required to overcome Republican procedural hurdles and clear the Senate. Reid is holding a meeting with fellow Democrats on Thursday to find a way forward.

"We are down to two weeks before the August recess," Kerry told a "town hall" meeting in Congress. "I don't think any comprehensive energy bill has been done in three weeks, and this bill is very complicated," Kerry said at the meeting.

President Barack Obama, who has made action on climate change a priority, has said he wants Congress to act.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN224096...