Sen. Sam Brownback said Monday he doesn't expect cap-and-trade legislation to be passed this fall by the Senate.

That was welcomed news for his audience at the annual convention of the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association at the Wichita Airport Hilton, particularly since the House passed a cap-and-trade bill earlier this summer.

"I think it has little chance of passing in the Senate," Brownback said. "It's one of the worst ideas to come along in a long time."

The Republican senator was one four members of the Kansas congressional delegation to address the KIOGA convention during a 90-minute panel discussion that was followed by a question-and-answer session.

He was joined by the state's three Republican representatives, Lynn Jenkins, Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt. Democrat Rep. Dennis Moore and Republican Sen. Pat Roberts were invited but were unable to attend, KIOGA president Ed Cross said.

Oil and gas is one of a number of industries that has expressed concern about the cost impact of cap-and-trade, whether it comes in the form of buying carbon credits or in retro-fitting operations.

"This is a terrible idea," Brownback said "and it doesn't help the environment one bit."

Read the complete story at kansas.com