1. CLIMATE:
Moderate Senate Dems build 'Gang of 16' to influence cap-and-trade bill

Moderate Senate Democrats with close ties to business and organized labor are aiming to take charge of the global warming debate next year. The "Gang of 16" represents a critical cross-section of industries and interest groups, including labor, agriculture, coal and manufacturing, setting up an intriguing political dynamic for the next administration and even some of their own party colleagues who typically side with environmental groups. The lawmakers come from the Midwest and Rust Belt and also extend into the Rocky Mountain states. Go to story #1

2. RENEWABLE ENERGY:
Addition of credits means a tough vote for bailout skeptics in House

The Senate's addition of billions of dollars in renewable energy incentives to the Wall Street rescue package is creating a tough choice for some House members who opposed an earlier version of the bailout. The House is scheduled to vote today on an economic rescue plan (H.R. 1424) the Senate easily approved Wednesday night, 74-25. The Senate added extensions of expiring credits for wind and solar projects, in addition to numerous other energy technology incentives. Go to story #2