Reid on climate change: ‘I hope we can address it’

In the Senate, a big emissions-capping bill died in 2010 without even coming up for a vote, and mandatory curbs continue to face huge political hurdles.

In Tuesday’s elections, Democrats expanded their Senate majority by two seats to 55, assuming Sen.-elect Angus King (I-Maine) caucuses with them.

But a number of Democrats from oil-producing states have joined most Republicans in opposing climate legislation, and it’s a nonstarter in the GOP-controlled House.

Various lawmakers may push a range of other proposals including improving coastal defenses from storms, expanding green energy and building efficiency to help reduce emissions.