One forward step for Waxman-Markey bill, the easiest step

The Waxman-Markey bill now faces the U.S. Senate where a simple majority is rarely enough to pass anything more important than a resolution commemorating some sports team's victory. Today the House voted to approve the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 by only 219 to 212. Some Repubs voted yes, a few dozen Dems voted no. The most prominent supporters of the complex, huge bill are President Obama and former Veeo turned Global Warming Prophet, Al Gore. The opponents range from right wingers to Greenpeace. In its current form, likely to get changed several times in the Senate, includes a national cap and trade system. Currently only ten northeastern states have such a carbon emission permit system, where polluters pay to keep polluting.