Big Threat For Obama's Climate Efforts From GOP-Run Congress

In the "defund" approach, Republicans could pass bills prohibiting the government from spending any money to implement his EPA regulations. Meanwhile, states and other groups are pursuing litigation in the courts challenging the administration's authority to proceed without Congress.

— The GOP could try to block Environmental Protection Agency regulations directly. The Congressional Review Act enables such resolutions to pass the Senate with a simple majority vote, meaning Democrats couldn't filibuster, once the regulations became final. That's scheduled to happen this year for Obama's carbon dioxide rule, which aims to cut power plant emissions nearly a third from 2005 levels.

— Lawmakers could refuse to give Obama the $3 billion he has already pledged on the country's behalf to a global fund to help poorer nations address climate change. Obama hasn't yet asked Congress for any money to fulfill that pledge. The White House says the administration will make its first request in its budget plan for fiscal year 2016, which begins Oct. 1.

— Republicans are likely to send Obama bills aimed at spurring energy development in the U.S., such as promoting drilling on federal lands or making it easier to export gas and oil. Many of these bills have previously passed the House and are teed up for quick passage by the new Congress.

Associated Press writer Donna Cassata contributed to this report.


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