They Will Vote for You: Cap and Trade before U.S. Senate

West Virginia's U.S. senators are sizing up the federal cap and trade legislation that narrowly passed the House last week, and without the support of their Mountain State counterparts in that chamber.

Aides to the ailing Sen. Robert C. Byrd issued a statement Monday that said the senior Democrat "'cannot support' the American Clean Energy and Security Act 'in its present form,'"The Charleston Gazette reports. "Sen. Jay Rockefeller's office also issued a statement that said Rockefeller 'continues to have serious concerns about the House bill.'"

The News and Sentinel of Parkersburg also checks in with Byrd and Rockefeller, D-W.Va., on the climate bill issue, as does The Register-Herald of Beckley.

The Beckley newspaper as well as MetroNews and Public Broadcasting (respective audio here and here), also report on a new group rallying against the measure.

Southern West Virginians for Coal "is trying to stop legislation from putting a price tag on carbon emissions," the latter reports, adding that the group is getting "financial support from the West Virginia Conservative Foundation."

"The idea started with concerned citizens at the Tax Day Tea parties, a protest against government spending," the Public Broadcasting item continues.

A photo with the Beckley article shows that supporters include Greg Thomas, perhaps best known as a political operative for Massey Energy Co. CEO Don Blankenship.