The headline says it all:
Democrats Abandon Sweeping Energy Plan
Let the recriminations begin. Reports the NYT:
At a news conference, the [Senate] majority leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, blamed Republicans for refusing to cooperate. "We don't have a single Republican to work with us," Mr. Reid said.
Which is true, but not the whole truth:
While Mr. Reid criticized Republicans, it is clear he did not have sufficient support in his own party for a broad energy bill. A number of Democratic lawmakers from manufacturing and coal-producing states were expected to oppose such a bill.
Joe Romm seems conflicted on whose hide to rip. In this post, he pretty much blames President Obama's top advisers, but in the comments he falls back on his favorite whipping boys:
I've repeatedly made clear that most of the blame lies with anti-science, pro-pollution conservatives and the media.
Yep. Sounds about right to me, if you're looking for some convenient scapegoats. More interesting to me: where do we go from here? What's the new playbook? As usual, Andy Revkin beats everyone to the punch with this provocative idea, which is bound to infuriate progressives:
Could it be that the White House has concluded what some political analysts have quietly told me "” that only a Republican president could muster the Senate votes to pass a meaningful climate bill?
Hooo boy. That sounds like Nixon going to China. And pretty wishful thinking when one considers the conservative mold of the Republican party today. Of course it's too early to say, but I'm predicting some deep soul searching by climate advocates after the blame game runs its course. Then an all out power struggle over who gets to set the course correction. Anyone else care to make a prediction? UPDATE: Roger Pielke Jr. on the Congressional climate bill collapse:
The bottom line is that the dominant approach to climate change promoted by those calling for action the loudest has failed -- yet again. Really, how much more evidence is needed to convince those calling for action on climate change that a radically new approach is needed.
David Robertsat Grist might be ready to let his beard grow out and shuffle around with a sign that reads The End is Near:
It's a sad, corrupt state of affairs this country finds itself in. I wish I had some hopeful words to offer. But at this point, American government appears to be broken. And our children and grandchildren will suffer for it.
Michael Levi, an energy expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, says "the United States is in for a rocky time in international climate diplomacy."
