Sending message to Obama, Democrats join effort to block regulation of heat-trapping gases

Coal-state Dems oppose global-warming rules

WASHINGTON — Eight Democratic senators from industrial states are challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate pollution blamed for global warming.

In a letter written by Sen. Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, the lawmakers said the agency lacks the power to restrict greenhouse gases. Their opposition could pose a blow to the Obama administration’s anti-pollution efforts.

The letter was signed by Democrats Mark Begich of Alaska, Robert Byrd of West Virginia, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Carl Levin of Michigan and Max Baucus of Montana.

Last month, three Democrats signed onto a similar Senate resolution that would bar the EPA from issuing regulations to control greenhouse gases.