joe manchin
Senator Manchin's climate law support may have ended his Senate career
Senator Joe Manchin's involvement in the Inflation Reduction Act, despite its benefits for West Virginia, may have jeopardized his Senate career due to its unpopularity among voters.
In short:
- Senator Joe Manchin, who played a key role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, is facing backlash from West Virginia voters despite the law's positive impact on local manufacturing and energy projects.
- Manchin is shifting focus toward supporting moderates and fostering independent political actions through initiatives like his Americans Together project, indicating his readiness to retire from the Senate.
- Despite working on a new permitting legislation with Republicans, Manchin remains critical of the Biden administration's implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act and other climate policies.
Key quote:
“It’s been weaponized to the point — no matter what good you think is happening, don’t believe your eyes, don’t believe exactly what you’re seeing.”
— Senator Joe Manchin
Why this matters:
Manchin’s story highlights the complex political dynamics of climate legislation in the U.S. Even laws that bring tangible benefits can be politically perilous if they are perceived as aligning with unpopular national policies. His experience underscores the challenges moderate politicians face in balancing constituent needs with broader party agendas.
Manchin and Barrasso's energy bill offers a complex trade-off
Senators Joe Manchin and John Barrasso's new energy bill proposes speeding up permits for renewable energy transmission but requires concessions for fossil fuel projects.
In short:
- President Biden's climate agenda emphasizes infrastructure subsidies to support clean energy projects, but these face delays due to lengthy permitting processes.
- Manchin and Barrasso's bill aims to simplify the approval of new power lines while easing fossil fuel project permits, sparking concerns among environmental groups.
- The bill's success depends on bipartisan support, weighing climate benefits against increased fossil fuel infrastructure.
Key quote:
“This bill does not need to sacrifice anyone. In fact, it should sacrifice no one and serve everyone.”
— Jasmine Jennings, senior legislative counsel at Earthjustice
Why this matters:
Balancing the need for clean energy infrastructure with fossil fuel interests is a significant challenge in the U.S. energy transition. The proposed bill highlights the difficulty of achieving bipartisan support while addressing environmental concerns.
In West Virginia, the Senate race outcome may change the trajectory of US climate policy
Sen. Joe Manchin’s retirement could shift West Virginia's influence on U.S. climate policy, with the upcoming Senate race set to determine whether the state continues to bolster fossil fuels or embrace clean energy.
James Bruggers and Marianne Lavelle report for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Sen. Joe Manchin, a pivotal figure in U.S. climate policy, will retire, impacting future climate action.
- The race to fill his seat sees Republican Gov. Jim Justice, a fossil fuel supporter, leading against Democrat Glenn Elliott, who advocates for climate action.
- West Virginia has historically influenced national energy policy, often resisting robust climate initiatives.
Key quote:
"I truly believe with all my heart that God wants us to progress and like it or not, civilization only progresses with abundant cheap energy."
— Jim Justice, Governor of West Virginia
Why this matters:
The impending election will be a battleground for energy policy, with candidates likely to diverge sharply on their approaches to climate change. The outcome could determine whether West Virginia continues its legacy of coal and natural gas production or shifts towards embracing clean energy solutions. This transition is not just a political issue but one that deeply affects the state's economy and the livelihood of its residents, many of whom rely on the fossil fuel industry for jobs.
Progressive Marine veteran seeks to reshape West Virginia politics
In a bid to challenge the coal industry's grip on West Virginia, Zach Shrewsbury, a Marine Corps veteran and community organizer, has launched his U.S. Senate campaign.
In short:
- Shrewsbury's campaign follows a populist approach, emphasizing job creation over coal reliance, seeking to pivot to renewable energy sources.
- His grassroots strategy includes extensive traveling across West Virginia, engaging directly with voters and distributing essential supplies.
- The political landscape is marked by a decline in union influence and the rise of Republican dominance attributed to economic grievances and industrial decline.
Key quote:
"I am of the working class. I am from our home. And I will fight for the everyday West Virginian."
— Zach Shrewsbury, U.S. Senate candidate
Why this matters:
Shrewsbury's campaign is poised to stir significant debate on the state's economic future, especially as environmental concerns grow and the demand for sustainable energy sources becomes more urgent.
Q&A: What a Joe Manchin presidential run could mean for the 2024 election—and the climate
The coming Senate energy, environment committee shuffle
Manchin's energy legacy leaves WV environmentalists frustrated, fossil fuel industry pleased
Before he numbered his days in the U.S. Senate last week, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., spent the morning chairing a hearing on abandoned coal mine land reclamation economic revitalization programs.