UPDATE 1-U.S. House poised to pass climate change bill

* House Democrats schedule Friday vote

* Speaker Nancy Pelosi upbeat on prospects for passage

* Broad Republican opposition expected (Recasts lead, adds comments from Pelosi and Obama adviser)

By Richard Cowan

WASHINGTON, June 26 (Reuters) - The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on Friday on one of the most significant environmental bills in U.S. history -- a sprawling measure that aims to wean industry off of carbon-emitting fuels blamed for global warming.

Democratic leaders were working hard to ensure there were at least 218 votes in the 435-seat House to pass the legislation that is a high priority for President Barack Obama.

There was evidence they had made progress, as the legislation was scheduled for a debate and vote by the full House, a move that usually indicates supporters were confident they can secure the necessary votes.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, welcoming German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the Capitol, said she was hopeful the climate change bill would pass and she praised German leadership on combating global warming.

"Today hopefully we'll have a celebration of American leadership taking its rightful place with German leadership on this important issue," Pelosi said.

Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett said on Friday it was unclear if there were enough votes to pass the bill.

"We're working on it, the president was on the phone," Jarrett told CNBC. Obama also met at the White House on Thursday with some undecided Democrats.

"It's a job creator. It's going to help save millions of dollars, billions of dollars, for our economy and we don't know right now if we have the votes, so we're going to work up until the last moment," Jarrett said.

One House Democratic aide said leaders were still working in the hours leading up to the debate to shore up support "but expected to get there."

With House Republicans mostly opposed and warning it would hit recession-weary consumers in their pocketbooks with higher prices for energy and other everyday goods, supporters were attempting to counter those arguments.

Pelosi, Obama and others cited environmental benefits, job creation and even national security as the legislation attempts to move the country away from its dependence on foreign oil in favor of developing domestically produced alternative fuels such as wind and solar energy and possibly "clean coal.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy said, "Savings from reduced energy use will be reinvested locally, creating a multiplier effect that will generate economic activity and jobs."