MOULE: Massa's not saying no, yet

By Jeremy Moule on June 25, 2009

Representative Eric Massa might vote yes on a House climate bill, and he might vote no.

Some media reports, like this one on Politico.com or this one from WXXI, give the impression that Massa's already decided on the bill. He hasn't, says Jared Smith, Massa's communications director. During a press call Tuesday, Smith did indicate that Massa wouldn't vote for the bill in its current form. Massa initially felt that the bill didn't include enough funding for biofuels, Smith says. But a last-minute compromise addressed that issue, at least partially.

"The bill is still being negotiated right now," Smith said this afternoon.

But Massa is concerned about more than biofuels; he also wants to see funding restored for hydrogen fuel cell research and development. He expects to speak with the president tonight, and will make his case in hopes of finding common ground, Smith said.

If Massa votes no, it's likely he won't be the only area House representative to do so. Chris Lee, a Clarence Republican, has spoken against the cap-and-trade bill.