Democrats join effort to block global warming rules

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Three Democratic senators are joining an effort to block the Obama administration from taking steps to reduce the pollution blamed for global warming.

Democrats Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas have signed on to a resolution introduced today by Republican Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. The measure, which must pass Congress and be signed by the president, would bar the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing regulations to control greenhouse gases.

The EPA has taken steps to reduce greenhouse gases using existing law as it has waited for Congress to pass legislation. A Senate bill limiting heat-trapping gases has stalled.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu said the president probably would not sign the resolution.

-- Associated Press