Talking Points Memo:

A major climate change bill passed out of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee amid a Republican boycott this morning, setting the stage for other panels to amend the legislation. The final vote was 11-1. Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)–whose Senate Finance Committee probably have its own crack at the bill–was the lone hold out. No Republicans showed up to vote.

Here is the statement from Clean Energy Works:

“We’re pleased that Senator Boxer stood up to the Big Oil-backed boycott. Big Oil has already doled out more than $3 million to the minority members of the committee and, given Big Oil’s billions in profits last quarter, we look forward to seeing whether they get a ‘performance bonus’ after this morning’s no-show. We’re spending a $1 billion a day on foreign and it’s time to stand up to Big Oil to pass a bill that means more jobs, less pollution, and greater security.

“As Senator Graham’s efforts show, there is bipartisan agreement to move forward, despite the attempts of a backward looking minority to stymie action in a key committee. Today’s vote and yesterday’s announcement of a dual track by Senators Kerry, Graham, and Lieberman demonstrates that the Senate is gaining momentum in its push to enact comphrensive clean energy and climate legislation that will put America back in control of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet.”