Obama's Drilling Pitch Sways Few Fence-Sitters on Climate Bill

"It's often said in Washington that if you anger both liberals and conservatives, you must be doing something right.

By that measure, President Obama may have done something right with his offshore drilling plan, but he does not appear to have advanced his higher priority -- passing a comprehensive climate and energy bill.

Obama has not moved many GOP votes, if any. The Republicans who did praise his plan called it too little, too late. And any goodwill he has won from centrist Democrats could be offset by the scorn of environmental groups and liberal lawmakers who say their votes are in jeopardy if the climate plan leads to more coastal drilling.

That has some drilling opponents grumbling that Obama may be too eager to please pro-industry lawmakers who have no intention of supporting his environmental agenda."

Mike Soraghan reports for Greenwire April 2, 2010.

See Also:

"Oil and Gas Ads Target 'Energy Industry Taxes'" (Greenwire)