In an attempt to distance himself from President Bush, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, said on May 9 that he would support the Lieberman-Warner climate change bill S. 2191, which is expected to be considered on the Senate floor next month.
McCain had previously said he would hold off on endorsing the bill until he was assured that it would include incentives for nuclear power. However, at a campaign stop in New Jersey, he announced his support for the Lieberman-Warner effort. McCain added that he hopes that the bill will be passed and that the president will sign it.
McCain said that he was pleased with negotiations and discussions with Senator Lieberman, and felt confident that there will be a far more important nuclear component in the legislation as the bill proceeds to Senate consideration. A manager's amendment to S. 2191 is expected to be released this week, and McCain is reportedly readying a nuclear amendment to the legislation.