US House of Representatives to vote today on climate change bill; issue in doubt; scramble for votes

In Washington, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote today on the climate change bill. The biofuels industry got behind the bill this week after winning concessions on the implementation of international indirect land use change until more scientific evidence is gathered one way or another, and the agricultural industry community is pleased with concessions that allow for more carbon offset opportunities supervised by USDA instead of EPA.

However, concerns over the the impact of the 1200-page bill on consumer energy prices, as well as opposition from Republicans over the impact of higher energy bills on business, leaves passage of the bill in doubt. Environmentalists have been rallying support with a flurry of emails to supporters, and President Obama has been marshalling his supporters through urgent emails, as well as calls to undecided Capitol Hill lawmakers.

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