Graham Quits Climate Talks, Dimming Hopes for Bill

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina pulled out of negotiations to forge a climate- change bill, protesting what he called a “cynical ploy” by Democrats to focus instead on immigration.

Graham’s move dimmed hopes for legislation that he was set to unveil tomorrow with Senators John Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat, and Joseph Lieberman, a Connecticut independent, after more than six months of work. Their proposal won support from utilities such as Exelon Corp., and people close to the matter said last week that oil companies including ConocoPhillips were prepared to sign on.

President Barack Obama pressed anew last week for an overhaul of U.S. immigration policy, and Democratic congressional leaders said legislation may advance this year if Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid can gain enough support. Graham decried the push as an attempt to win votes for Democrats in a critical election year.

“Moving forward on immigration -- in this hurried, panicked manner -- is nothing more than a cynical ploy,” Graham said in a letter yesterday to business, environmental, military and religious leaders.

“Unless their plan substantially changes this weekend, I will be unable to move forward on energy independence legislation at this time,” he wrote. “I will not allow our hard work to be rolled out in a manner that has no chance of success.”