A motion that would have given the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions was defeated by the Senate by slimmest of margins late last week. The resolution, defeated by a 53-47 vote would have given the EPA authority to make rules regarding reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The defeat, however, signaled to President Obama the need for energy legislation, particularly since green house gas emissions in the transportation sector have risen dramatically from 1990-2006.

The Senate narrowly defeated a motion that would have denied the Environmental Protection Agency the ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, the Associated Press reported.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s (R-Alaska) resolution, defeated by a 53-47 voice vote late Thursday, would have denied EPA authority to move ahead with new rules aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

She said here her intent was to protect the authority of Congress, not the interests of the oil industry, AP reported.

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