The Senate on Thursday considered a resolution which would have dismantled strong environmental rules issued by the EPA to address global climate change. Sen. Bernie Sanders went to the Senate floor to voice his opposition to the measure which he said ignored scientific consensus in favor of political grandstanding.  "For whatever reason, this discussion about global warming is now political. Not scientific.  And this is absurd," Sanders said.  "It should be no more political than the best cancer treatment available or how we deal with a broken leg.  Let's look at the science.  Let's look at the leading scientists all over the world." In the end, Sanders' argument won the day when the "resolution of disapproval" was stopped by a Senate vote of 47 to 53, falling short of the 51 votes needed.  It would have prevented the Environmental Protection Agency from further regulation of air pollution from vehicles and industrial facilities.

At issue was a 2007 Supreme Court ruling determining that the EPA has the authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the rules of the Clean Air Act. In December, the agency concluded scientific findings and declared that carbon dioxide and five other gases constitute pollutants that should be further restricted.  In April, the agency announced new rules for vehicles: a mandatory increase in fuel efficiency coupled with reductions in gas emissions, starting with the 2012 model year.

To watch the senator's speech, click here.