McHugh, Murphy vote Yes on Climate Change Bill

The U.S. House voted narrowly today to approve historic legislation that would cap the amount of carbon emissions produced in the country and allow various industries to trade pollution credits.

The vote was a slender victory for Democrats, who gathered 219 votes, just 7 more than the minimum needed.

They crossed the finish line with the help of eight crucial Republicans, including North Country Rep. John McHugh.

McHugh is a moderate who has staked out progressive positions on pollution and acid rain issues, often feuding openly with GOP minority leader John Boehner.

(Boehner attempted to filibuster the bill.)

It’s also worth noting that McHugh recently accepted President Barack Obama’s appointment to serve as Secretary of the Army.

Another crucial vote came from Democratic newcomer Scott Murphy, who represents a Republican-heavy district that stretches from Saranac Lake through the Adirondacks and the Hudson valley to Poughkeepsie.

Here’s Murphy’s statement, issued on Friday:

“Today, we passed significant legislation to break our nation’s dependence on foreign oil and transition our economy towards energy independence. This bill will make important green investments in the 20th district, making our district and New York State more competitive and attractive in the clean energy marketplace.”

Another New York Democrat who represents a slice of the North Country, Michael Arcuri, voted against the bill. As did newcomer Eric Massa, who according to Politico angered House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for breaking ranks at the last minute:

A third member who has irked the powers-that-be: Rookie upstate New York Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY), who voted “no” despite a photo op with President Obama. Massa has also alienated many in Pelosi’s team by introducing a House pay freeze jointly with Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.).