First Read: “President Obama’s second term in office has been lacking in big achievements. Background checks for gun purchases didn’t make it through the Senate. Immigration reform isn’t becoming law this Congress, though the president is expected to take executive action on this front. And just last week, Obama’s party took a major drubbing in the midterm elections. But there is one potential second-term achievement that’s taking more and more shape — on climate change.”

“Remember, Obama made combating climate change a big part of his second inaugural address… Of course, it came after he disappointed supporters in his first term (no cap-and-trade bill through the Senate). And it’s important to point out that Obama’s second-term actions on the climate — the EPA rules, the deal with China — are unilateral actions that can be undone by another president. But make no mistake: This is Obama’s pet issue of his second term.”

Wonk Wire: How to sell a (carbon) tax to Republicans