As predicted, the Senate took its second stab at the Energy Bill this morning; the vote was expected to be very close with 60 votes needed to end the cloture vote and move the Energy Bill forward. The Energy Bill currently includes the first overhaul in fuel economy standards in 35 years, a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and a $13 clean energy tax package that would close corporate loopholes and repeal subsidies for the big oil and gas companies.

The Senate just failed clearing the cloture hurdle by a mere SINGLE VOTE (59-40). Sen. McCain was the only Senator missing from the vote… It is a shame that forty senators stood behind oil and gas companies this morning, instead of an investment in a more sustainable future and future generations. Senators have received over $8 million from big oil and gas over the last four years.

However, it is not over! In response, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has called to bring the bill back for another vote this afternoon. Before the vote, Reid and the Democratic Majority, having already stripped the bill of RES, must now likely remove the bill’s entire clean energy tax package in order for it to pass – how disappointing!

So, does the bill still include anything worthwhile? The RFS contains some promising biofuels provisions, including a measure to consider the total global warming pollution generated during biofuel production (rather than just the decrease in oil use), investment in cellulosic ethanol and other environmental protections. The overhaul of the fuel economy standard is also an important step in the right direction. The final bill is still expected to include improved energy efficiency standards for buildings.

Stay tuned for the next vote…