Budget deal leaves major climate plans intact, but previews wish list of new Congress
A congressional deal to finance the government leaves largely intact President Barack Obama's plans on global warming — at least until Republicans take control of Congress next month. But it chips away at other energy and environmental programs.
House Republicans attached measures to the $1.1 trillion spending bill to delay a ban on incandescent light bulbs and protections for a Western bird that could hinder oil and gas production. Other measures to bar the EPA from regulating gases belched from livestock and lead in ammunition weren't currently planned.
Democrats blocked measures to prohibit controlling heat-trapping gases from power plants. That rule will be a target next year when Republicans are in charge.
Even a $61 million cut to EPA's budget was $250 million more than what Obama asked for.