Senate Democrats unveil climate-focused energy bill

U.S. Senate Democrats on Tuesday unveiled energy legislation designed to hasten America's adoption of cleaner energy, slash greenhouse gas emissions below the Obama administration's goal, and help their party attract young voters in the 2016 elections.

The bill, announced by Senate Democratic party leaders and the energy committee's top Democrat, Senator Maria Cantwell, laid out the party's vision for cutting emissions at least 34 percent by 2025.

It contrasts with a Republican approach focused on increased oil and gas production. Senator Chuck Schumer, who is expected to take over as the Senate Democratic leader from Senator Harry Reid, called it "a refreshing reprieve from the tired Republican mantra of ‘drill baby, drill.’

Although the bill has no prospect of passing in a Republican-controlled Congress, Democrats hope voters will approve of the preview of their energy policy approach if they regain control of the Senate in 2016.

Democrats said the focus on clean energy will appeal to younger voters.

"This is going to be a huge issue in the 2016 campaign," Schumer said at the news conference (by VALERIE VOLCOVICI, Reuters)