The Senate global warming debate ended on June 6, 2008 with a 48-36 vote against invoking cloture on a bill to curb heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions. While obstructionists won the day, the number of votes in favor of passing global warming legislation in the Senate reached a new high and set the stage for victory in the next Congress.

Six senators who were not able to attend the vote issued statements expressing support. Thus a total of 54 senators, a solid majority, showed support.

Audubon members and activists played a big role in increasing momentum for passing global warming legislation by calling and writing senators during the critical days prior to the vote. In Audubon's official statement on the vote, Senior Vice President Betsy Loyless expresses optimism that the groundwork has been laid for victory.