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The success of President Obama’s second-term climate agenda hinges on a set of regulations now in the works at the Environmental Protection Agency.

His plan to combat global warming through new emissions standards and a shift toward increased renewable energy faces serious opposition from business groups, and Congress is steeling for battle.

But if the regulations survive the attacks — and subsequent legal challenges — they could amount to one of the president’s most consequential initiatives, his supporters say.

“He’s doing it with one hand tied behind his back,” Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, said in reference to opposition to the effort.

The centerpiece of Obama’s push is a set of regulations to limit greenhouse gas pollution from new and existing power plants, the source of about 40 percent of carbon emissions.

Obama announced the steps in June, as part of a wide-ranging plan to counter the effects of global warming at a time when legislative efforts lack traction in Congress.

Republicans and industry groups contend the rules will raise prices on home energy bills and at the gas pump, and warn the coal country, unable to meet the new standards, could be put out of business. They’re also upset that the administration is sidestepping Congress.

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