PARKERSBURG - West Virginia's two U.S. senators Monday had reservations over the climate change bill that narrowly passed the House of Representatives on Friday.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act, also known as the "cap and trade" bill, would reduce carbon emissions 17 percent by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050 and limit the number of permits based on carbon dioxide emissions. Opponents say the bill will eliminate jobs and increase taxes, electrical costs and the price of goods. Political opposition to the bill was along party lines with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed.

"I cannot support the House bill in its present form," said Sen. Robert Byrd, a Democrat.

"I continue to believe that clean coal can be a "green" energy," he said. "Those of us who understand coal's great potential in our quest for energy independence must continue to work diligently in shaping a climate bill that will ensure access to affordable energy for West Virginians."

Sen. Jay Rockefeller, also a Democrat, said he had serious concerns about the legislation, spokesman Jessica Tice said.

"Sen. Rockefeller followed the process in the House on the climate change legislation very closely and he continues to have serious concerns about the House bill," Tice said. "The Senate process is in the beginning stages, and Senator Rockefeller will continue working with his colleagues to make sure West Virginia's interests are represented."

The bill is supported by President Obama.

It passed in the House, 219 to 212 with West Virginia's three delegates to the House of Representatives, Democrats Alan Mollohan and Nick Rahall and Republican Shelley Capito, voting against. In Ohio, Reps. Charlie Wilson and Zack Space, Democrats who represent portions of Washington County, were split with Wilson against and Space in favor.

On Monday, Carol Browner, an adviser to the president, told reporters she was confident the Senate would pass an energy bill. However, the Democrats in the Senate lack a 60-member majority needed to prevent a filibuster.

Republican senators Sunday said the bill had little chance of passage in the Senate. David Axelrod, a senior adviser to the president, said health care overhauls will be undertaken before the cap and trade bill, which may be debated by the Senate this fall.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.