Vested political and industry interests in preventing CO2 regulation by the EPA have pretty much given up on the courts, and are now focusing on federal legislation initiatives. H.R 4471 is courtesy of the Energy & Commerce committee, and at its core wants to transfer responsibility for CO2 from the EPA to an industry appointed group. That will require gutting the Clean Air Act, since the courts have been clear that CO2 is within the scope of that law. The proposed law passed committee May 16 by a vote of 28 - 13. Of 31 Republicans, 4 did not vote, 1 voted against, and 26 voted for the bill. Of 23 Democrats, 8 did not vote, 3 voted for, and 12 voted against the bill. If only declared votes are tallied, 96.3% of Republicans and 20% of Democrats endorse the bill. Position of the American Lung Assn
