The New York Times reports that “the Obama administration’s proposal Monday to reduce carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants is already being characterized by Republicans as the latest salvo in a ‘war on coal.’”  

“The eagerness of Republicans to exploit the issue is understandable. Democrats have lost considerable ground in coal-producing areas in recent years, and their approach has hurt their chances of retaining the Senate.”  

“But because Democrats have already suffered significantly over the issue, the worst is just about over — and at the national level, it is no longer even that painful.”