Democrats struggle with how to slow climate change in bill

WASHINGTON — The centerpiece of President Joe Biden’s climate agenda is running into opposition from key moderate Democrats, raising questions about whether Congress will pass legislation that significantly slows global warming.

Biden has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 50% within a decade, a potentially insurmountable task without major changes in the way the country generates electricity.

Democrats had hoped their Build Back Better program would serve as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to combat climate change at a time when their party controls the White House and both chambers of Congress.

But as negotiations enter their most serious stage, the top climate provision is running into significant political opposition.

The plan’s Clean Electricity Performance Program, which would encourage utilities to increase their use of renewable energy through a combination of payments