Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called for a vote on the House energy package.
Later this week, the House will vote again on several energy measures Republicans say will help create jobs.
{mosads}McConnell said he supports the House efforts, particularly legislation to force the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline and a bill to stop Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on coal.
“It’s just unacceptable that the Administration has now spent six years dragging its feet on the pipeline,” McConnell said on the Senate floor Wednesday. “This package is common sense.”
President Obama has delayed a decision on the construction of the pipeline that would transport oil from Canadian tar sands through the United States to refineries along the Gulf Coast. Some environmentalists are concerned about the risks of leaks and more oil consumption.
McConnell also chided Obama for his “war on coal,” by attempting to reduce the emissions of coal-fired power plants to improve air quality and reduce green house gases.
“This war on coal is not over, not by a long shot,” McConnell said. “I will not stand idly by while this administration and this EPA try to wipe out the lifeblood of my home state.”
McConnell is facing a tough reelection race in Kentucky against Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes.