Joe Manchin
Credentials
- B.A. 1970 West Virginia University.1“Manchin, Joe, III,” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Archived July 1, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/6nG3d
Background
Joseph Manchin III is a Democratic U.S. Senator from West Virginia.2“Manchin, Joe, III,” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Archived July 1, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/6nG3d He has been described as “the Senateโs most conservative and Donald Trump-friendly Democrat”3Clare Foran. “West Virginia’s Conservative Democrat Gets a Primary Challenger,” The Atlantic, May 9, 2017. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qiKlk and as a “longtime ally of the coal industry.”4“The 3 Democrats Who Voted Against the Green New Deal,” The Atlantic, March 26, 2019. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/BBMce He has called himself a “moderate conservative Democrat.”5“Senator Shelley Moore Capito: ‘I didn’t come here to hurt people’ | Morning Joe | CNBC,” YouTube video uploaded by user “MSNBC,” June 29, 2017. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.
In the 2020 election, Democratic nominee Joe Biden won the presidency and the Democrats attained a one-vote majority in the Senate. Following this election, Manchin became chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. This committee oversees policy on the leasing of drilling and mining for oil, coal, gas, and other mineral resources on federal public lands, as well as strategic petroleum reserves, nuclear energy, Indian affairs, and more. 6“Manchin, Joe, III,” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Archived July 1, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/6nG3d 7“About,” Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources. Archived May 25, 2022. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/r5zxX
During President Biden’s first full year in office, Manchin blocked passage of legislation to fund and speed up climate action measures including the transition from coal, oil, and gas to cleaner energy.8Christopher Flavelle and Julie Tate. “How Joe Manchin Aided Coal, and Earned Millions,” The New York Times, March 27, 2022. Archived April 24, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/3lfpN
In March 2022, The New York Times published a major investigation of Manchin’s ties to the West Virginia coal industry. The Times found that they dated back to 1987 when, while serving his first term as a state senator, he helped developers get the clearances needed to build a new coal-fired power plant in the town of Grant Town. Manchin’s family coal business, Enersystem, Inc, then became the coal supplier to the Grant Town power plant. “In addition, he arranged to receive a slice of the revenue from electricity generated by the plant โ electric bills paid by his constituents. The deal inked decades ago has made Mr. Manchin, now 74, a rich man.” Manchin continues to collect dividend payments from the Grant Town plant.9Christopher Flavelle and Julie Tate. “How Joe Manchin Aided Coal, and Earned Millions,” The New York Times, March 27, 2022. Archived April 24, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/3lfpN
Manchin and his brother Roch Manchin co-founded Enersystems in 1988. The Grant Town plant has been the sole customer for the company’s low-quality “gob” coal for the past two decades, and Manchin has used his political influence to the plant’s benefit.10Christopher Flavelle and Julie Tate. “How Joe Manchin Aided Coal, and Earned Millions,” The New York Times, March 27, 2022. Archived April 24, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/3lfpN
Manchin claimed in 2011 that his ties to the company have “absolutely not” affected his policy decisions.11Manuel Quinones and Elana Schor. “Sen. Manchin Maintains Lucrative Ties to Family-Owned Coal Company,” The New York Times, July 26, 2011. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/1DQUL
Manchin was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010, in a special election following the death of Sen. Robert Byrd. He was re-elected in 2012 and 2018. Prior to this, he was a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from 1982-1986, a member of the West Virginia State Senate from 1986-1996, West Virginia Secretary of State from 2000-2004, and governor of West Virginia from 2004-2010.12“Manchin, Joe, III,” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Archived July 1, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/6nG3d
The Center for Media and Democracy reportd in 2012 that Manchin was one of the few Democratic members of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) while he was a state legislator. He served as ALEC’s State Chair for Virginia in 1991 and later was ALEC’s national treasurer. He also reportedly received support from the American Chemistry Council (ACC) for his Senate bid.13Brendan Fischer. “ALEC Member “American Chemistry Council” Drops $649K on Wisconsin U.S. Senate Race,” The Center for Media and Democracy’s PR Watch, September 6, 2012. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qqw3f
Manchin broke from fellow Democrats in the Senate to vote for President Donald Trump’s first two Supreme Court nominees, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.14(Press Release). “MANCHIN TO SUPPORT SUPREME COURT NOMINEE NEIL GORSUCH,” Manchin.senate.gov, March 30, 2017. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/XZ3G7 15Catie Edmondson. “Joe Manchinโs Yes on Kavanaugh Finds Sympathy in West Virginia,” The New York Times, October 8, 2018. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/uNxnH He was the only Democrat to vote to confirm Attorney General Jeff Sessions16(Press Release). “MANCHIN VOTES TO CONFIRM DOJ ATTORNEY GENERAL NOMINEE JEFF SESSIONS,” Manchin.Senate.Gov, February 8, 2017. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/dHvNIand Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin17“How Senators Voted on Steven Mnuchin for Treasury Secretary,” The New York Times, February 13, 2017. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Esr5c, and one of just two to confirm Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator. He also voted to confirm Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, a former CEO of Exxon.18(Press Release). “MANCHIN VOTES TO CONFIRM SECRETARY OF STATE NOMINEE REX TILLERSON,” Manchin.Senate.Gov, February 1, 2017. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/80mtF
Stance on Climate Change
March 2019
Manchin was one of four Democratic or Independent senators, along with Krysten Synema of Arizona, Doug Jones of Alabama, and Angus King of Maine who voted against the Green New Deal (GND). The Reublicans held the Senate majority at this time. The legislation was a package of climate and social justice reforms. Manchin said in a statement that while “manmade climate change is real and itโs a serious threat,” the proper focus needed to be on “real solutions that recognize the role that fossil fuels will continue to play.”19“The 3 Democrats Who Voted Against the Green New Deal,” The Atlantic, March 26, 2019. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/BBMce
“Climate change is real and it’s a serious threat to our citizens, to our economy, to our environment and to our national security,” Manchin said in testimony during a Senate hearing on the climate crisis.20“Ranking Member Manchin’s Opening Statement From Hearing On Electricity Sector In Changing Climate,” YouTube video uploaded by user “Senate Energy Dems, Chairman Joe Manchin III,” March 5, 2019. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.
Later in his opening statement, Manchin emphasized that climate solutions must not present any “additional economic burdens”:
“[A]ll communities, including those in energy producing states like West Virginia, Alaska, are experiencing the harmful impacts of the climate crisis. These impacts are often felt disproportionately in West Virginia communities which are already suffering from the downturn in coal production, resulting unemployment and negative effects of coal company bankruptcies on retirement and health care benefits. Therefore, the path to a climate solution must offer states like West Virginians opportunities, not additional economic burdens,” Manchin said.
He added, “The solutions must be grounded in reality, which requires a recognition that fossil fuels aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
“The role of fossil fuels in the global economy is growing, and the U.S. must lead the world in pursuing the solutions that will allow us to burn fossil fuels in a cleaner, more cost effective and more efficient manner.”
June 25, 2014
Manchin tweeted that “Its impt we address climate change but we need 2 do it while maintaining the reliability of our electricity system” and that “We must strike balance that acknowledges climate change exists & that fossil fuels are a vital part of our energy mix.”
Key Quotes
September 30, 2021
When asked whether natural gas should be included in a clean energy program pushed by Democrats, Manchin said “It has to be,” The Hill reported:21“Overnight Energy & Environment โ Presented by the American Petroleum Institute โ Manchin: Gas ‘has to’ be part of the clean energy program,” The Hill, September 30, 2021. Archived October 14, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/0TCEX
“I am all for all of the above. I am all for clean energy, but I am also for producing the amount of energy that we need to make sure that we have reliability,” Manchin told reporters.
He also commented he was opposed to paying utilities to making an energy transition:
“I am just not for giving public companies who have shareholders, public dollars, free, when I know theyโre going to be very profitable at the end whatever we do,โ he said.
โWe might front you the money with low-interest loans, but shouldnโt we get it back when the profits start flowing so we donโt have to incur more debt,โ he added.
Video below via CSPAN:
March 26, 2019
Below is the statement Manchin released on why he was voting against the Green New Deal:22(Press Release). “MANCHIN VOTES AGAINST THE GREEN NEW DEAL,” Manchin.Senate.Gov, March 26, 2019. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/LR82r
โWhile I appreciate the renewed conversation around climate change that the Green New Deal and its supporters have sparked, I think we need to focus on real solutions that recognize the role fossil fuels will continue to play. Thatโs why I voted against the resolution today.
โI have said it before: manmade climate change is real and itโs a serious threat to our citizens, to our economy, to our environment, to our national security and to our world. This climate problem is a massive one and we must act, but aspirational documents will not solve this crisis โreal solutions focused on innovation will.
โThatโs why Iโm concentrating on how our country can produce affordable, reliable, dependable energy 24/7 that will help us meet our emissions reductions goals. And Iโm working to make sure that we do it in a way that incentivizes nations like China and India to address the global climate crisis as well. The truth is even if we zero out our countryโs use of fossil fuels tomorrow, we must face the facts that other nations have invested in and will continue to use fossil fuels to develop their economies for decades to come. We cannot successfully address our climate challenge by eliminating sources of energy that countries are committed to using. Only through innovating and developing new technologies that reduce carbon emissions will we truly make a difference.
โWhether it be successfully commercializing emissions-reducing technologies in the power, manufacturing, or transportation sectors, the U.S. must lead the world in innovation. And we must do so in a way that creates meaningful opportunity for those communities here in the U.S. that have already been left behind instead of punishing them with burdensome mandates. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure we are working towards real world solutions that address the global climate, instead of playing political games with one of the greatest challenges we all are facing.โ
August 2014
Asked to describe his relationship with then-President Barack Obama, Manchin commented, “Itโs fairly nonexistent. Thereโs not much of a relationship.”23“Obama Is Seen as Frustrating His Own Party,” The New York Times, August 18, 2014. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Cw6bu
October 2010
Manchin shot a bullet through a copy of a Congressional climate bill in a 2010 campaign ad. Transcript of the ad was as follows:24“Dead Aim – Joe Manchin for West Virginia TV Ad,” YouTube video uploaded by user “Joe Manchin,” October 9, 2010. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.
“I’m Joe Manchin, I approve this ad because I’ll always defend West Virginia. As your senator, I’ll protect our Second Amendment rights. That’s why the NRA endorsed me. I’ll take on Washington and this administration to get the federal government off of our backs and out of our pockets. I’ll cut federal spending and I’ll repeal the bad parts of Obamacare. I sued EPA and I’ll take dead aim at the cap and trade bill because it’s bad for West Virginia.”
October 6, 2010
When Manchin sued the Obama administration over its attempt to overturn federal rules on mountaintop removal mining, he commented:25Patrick Reis. “W.Va. Sues Obama, EPA Over Mining Coal Regulations,” The New York Times, October 6, 2020. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qYL3N
“Over the past year and a half, we have been fighting President Obama’s administration’s attempts to destroy our coal industry and way of life in West Virginia. We are asking the court to reverse EPA’s actions before West Virginia’s economy and our mining community face further hardship.”
Key Actions
June 8, 2022
Manchin formed a joint fundraising committee titled the Manchin Leadership Fund that brought in over $200,000 in between June and October 2022 including donations from numerous energy industry executives, lobbyists, and lobbying firms.26“STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION: FILING FEC-1600867,” Federal Election Commission. Archived January 31, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/IK1a6
See the spreadsheet below for sample donations to the Manchin Leadership Fund, via data exported from the Federal Election Commission (FEC).27Individual contributions search for the Manchin Leadership Fund, Federal Election Commission. Data retrieved January 31, 2023.
Sludge reported the donations came as Manchin was negotiating to expand leasing of oil and gas rights on federal land and water.28Donald Shaw. “How Manchin Capitalized on Being at the Center of the IRA Debate,” Sludge, October 19, 2022. Archived January 31, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/svDRZ
June 2021
Manchin voted against H.R.1, the For the People Act, which sought to expand voter access and require additional disclosures of campaign-related fundraising and spending. Manchin argued that the bill was created in a “partisan manner.”
“[S]ome Democrats have again proposed eliminating the Senate filibuster rule in order to pass the For the People Act with only Democratic support. Theyโve attempted to demonize the filibuster and conveniently ignore how it has been critical to protecting the rights of Democrats in the past,” Manchin wrote in an op-ed in the Charleston Gazette-Mail.29“Joe Manchin: Why I’m voting against the For the People Act,” Charleston Gazette-Mail, June 6, 2021. Archived June 12, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/hlRpX
“I believe that partisan voting legislation will destroy the already weakening binds of our democracy, and for that reason, I will vote against the For the People Act. Furthermore, I will not vote to weaken or eliminate the filibuster,” he concluded.
NPR wrote of Manchin’s decision, “Manchin’s opposition is seen as a death knell for the legislation, which every other Democratic senator is co-sponsoring and which Democrats argue is the necessary remedy to efforts by Republican-led states to pass restrictive election laws.” Manchin’s stance was unchanged after meeting with civil rights groups.30Barbara Sprunt. “Manchin Is Unmoved On The Voting Rights Bill After He Met With Civil Rights Groups,” NPR, June 8, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/LJhW8
CNN noted,”Manchin’s opposition to changing filibuster rules stands as a major roadblock to Biden’s legislative priorities, as current rules allow Republicans to hold up many of the progressive bills the administration supports, including infrastructure spending, federal voting legislation and climate change legislation.”31Devan Cole, Aileen Graef, and Daniella Diaz. “Manchin defends bucking voting rights bill and digs in against eliminating the filibuster,” CNN, June 7, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/GEsHi
March 5, 2019
Manchin held the GOP-controlled Senate’s first committee hearing on climate change since 2012. The focus of the hearing was the effect of climate change on the electric power sector. Representatives from the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, NextEra Energy, Rice University Center for Energy Studies, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and Analysis Group, Inc. testified at the hearing. At the time, Manchin was the senior Democrat, or “ranking member,” on the committee.32“Manchin, Senate ENR Hold First Senate Climate Hearing Of 116th Congress,” Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources press release, March 5, 2019. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/SkrEs
At the hearing, Manchin “repeated figures from the federal government’s fourth national climate assessment showing that the U.S. has experienced 44 climate and weather-related disasters since 2015 at a total cost of over $400 billion. But the coal-state lawmaker said any solutions to the problem ‘must be grounded in reality, which requires a recognition that fossil fuels aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.'” 33Molly Christian. “US Senate energy panel brainstorms climate action strategies,” ClimateWire, March 13, 2019.
The committee posted video of Manchin’s opening statement and questioning, and the full hearing.
Transcript of Manchin’s opening statement below:
[00:09:54] Our shared focus on identifying pragmatic solutions to the urgent problem of climate change makes the work of this committee vital to our nation. I believe it sets a model for working together to come to an agreement on a bipartisan path forward in spite of partisan rhetoric. I also want to thank our distinguished panel for joining our committee to share your insights with us today. [00:10:13]
[00:10:15] For years I’ve argued and we need to be working from an agreed upon set of facts about the climate crisis in order to move forward quickly with real world solutions that protect our communities and workers from unnecessary economic harm. You really can’t play a game of darts if you can’t agree on what the bullseye is. And that’s what we’re dealing with here. People, I’ve never seen in any one town such as this, people will basically set their opinions and try to try to justify their opinions based on what they want the facts to be, not based on what the facts are and try to work towards an agreed position. [00:10:57]
[00:10:58] To that end, we are seeking to use this hearing to identify what emissions reductions the power sector has achieved and what the power sector must do to contribute in near-term and long term emission targets. I believe that the focus must be on the path towards innovative power generation technologies that will keep the lights on, our economies humming and achieve the emission reductions we so desperately need. [00:11:18]
[00:11:19] First man made climate change is real and it’s a serious threat to our citizens, to our economy, to our environment and to our national security. In 2016, a devastating flood took the lives of twenty three West Virginians, unparalleled in any other time in history in West Virginia. Over the last four years, I’ve asked the White House for emergency funding six times as a result of severe flooding. My office deploys an emergency response page during severe weather and we have posted it dozens of times over the past few years. [00:11:48]
[00:11:49] In Alaska, my dear friend and colleague here and Chairwoman Murkowski, there have been four communities who need to immediately pick up and move and 12 more actively planning for a partial or total community relocation due to climate change. As Mr. Schutt will tell you about in his testimony. [00:12:08]
[00:12:09] Climate impacts have also forced people to leave their communities permanently in the wake of storms like Hurricane Maria, after which nearly 130,000 people left Puerto Rico, according to the Census Bureau. And if you just look on the news today, what happened in the last couple of days as far as horrific tornadoes down in the south and southwest. According to the Fourth National Climate Assessment, the U.S. has experienced 44 weather and climate disasters since 2015. The cost has neared 400 billion with a B. 400 billion dollars. [00:12:43]
[00:12:44] Second, all communities, including those in energy producing states like West Virginia, Alaska, are experiencing the harmful impacts of the climate crisis. These impacts are often felt disproportionately in West Virginia communities which are already suffering from the downturn in coal production, resulting unemployment and negative effects of coal company bankruptcies on retirement and health care benefits. Therefore, the path to a climate solution must offer states like West Virginians opportunities, not additional economic burdens. [00:13:15]
[00:13:16] The chairwoman and I share a deep concern for our rural communities and seek to use this committee as a means of identifying and legislating pathways to ensure our constituents have a role in the clean energy future. And third, the solutions must be grounded in reality, which requires a recognition that fossil fuels aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. [00:13:37]
[00:13:39] The IEA predicts that up to 51 percent of China’s power could come from fossil fuels in 2040, depending on energy policies that are adopted. That number could be as high as 57 percent for India. This is the real world we’re living in. The role of fossil fuels in the global economy is growing, and the U.S. must lead the world in pursuing the solutions that will allow us to burn fossil fuels in a cleaner, more cost effective and more efficient manner. [00:14:06]
[00:14:07] What we were told by Dr. Birol is that the cost of the plants in Asia is about 11 years old for all their fossil fuel. Now 11 years is the average. They’re going to amortize those plants out. They’re going to run until they’re 40 to 50 years of age. That’s just the economic facts. In America we have plants that are much older. It’s much easier for us to convert than it is for Asia. And that’s just the what we’re dealing with today. It does not mean that we should set aside work, increasing efficiency, advancing nuclear storage or renewables such as solar, wind and hydro power. But it does mean that we have to double down innovative solutions for the clean use of fossil energy in the electric, industrial and transportation sectors. And we must do it today. [00:14:50]
[00:14:51] Just last week, Dr Birol, the leader of the International Energy Agency, told this committee that the rest of the world, and particularly countries in Asia, will continue to use fossil fuels for decades to come. He stated and I quote, “Last year, global CO2 emissions once again increased and the main driver for that increase came from Asia.” And as I’ve said before, just as West Virginians don’t want to drink dirty water or breathe dirty air, neither do citizens of other countries. [00:15:17]
[00:15:19] As India continues to build new coal power plants to provide electricity to more and more of its people, the U.S. should find ways to ensure that they have the technologies and policies needed to eliminate any resulting pollution. And that technology is developed and manufactured here in America. That’s where we can be truly the game changer. Similarly, as China becomes the world’s largest natural gas importer and continues consuming large amounts of coal and oil, the U.S. should respond to these developments by leading on carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration technologies. [00:15:51]
in [00:15:52] It’s a fact that our country has the greatest energy resource of all. Our brilliant researchers and developers that can do and must do the job. That’s something nearly every witness we’ve heard from this year has highlighted. And as Secretary Ernie Moniz has said best, clean energy innovation supports multiple national goals, economic competitiveness, environmental responsibility, energy security and national security. And it is at the heart of American economic success and optimism. I’m optimistic about our country’s ability to innovate and implement climate change solutions because we fundamentally share these goals and have the know how to tackle them together. I look forward to the committee taking up this discussion about energy innovation and expanding it across all technologies needed to address the climate problem. And we can’t wait another seven years to continue these meetings. With these facts in mind. I look forward to today’s discussion of the trends in the U.S. electric sector, how they affect and affected by climate change, and how this committee can continue this important dialog and take action on the technology and policies needed to address it. With that, Chairman Murkowski, I look forward to hearing and thank you so much for calling it. [00:17:06]
October 2020
The West Virginia state Department of Environmental Protection, at Manchin’s direction, sued the Obama administration over its attempt to overturn federal rules on mountaintop removal mining.34Patrick Reis. “W.Va. Sues Obama, EPA Over Mining Coal Regulations,” The New York Times, October 6, 2020. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qYL3N
“Over the past year and a half, we have been fighting President Obama’s administration’s attempts to destroy our coal industry and way of life in West Virginia,” Manchin said. “We are asking the court to reverse EPA’s actions before West Virginia’s economy and our mining community face further hardship.”
The EPA’s new guidelines sought to make it more difficult for coal companies to obtain necessary Clean Water Act permits for their mines. The companies would have to show that the mine operations would not increase water pollution concentrations in surrounding areas by more than approximately five times the normal level.
Manchin claimed the EPA had “usurped the authority of the state and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to oversee and regulate important aspects of our environment, like water quality,” and that “These actions by U.S. EPA are threatening not only to end surface coal mining in West Virginia but to affect all forms of mining in the state.”
In a statement, the EPA commented:
“Despite many efforts by EPA, state officials have not engaged in a meaningful discussion of sustainable mining practices that will create jobs while protecting the waters that Appalachian communities depend on for drinking, swimming and fishing.”
“Earlier this year, at the request of the state, EPA issued clear guidance that ensures permits are reviewed using the best science available to protect residents from the significant and irreversible damage this practice can have on communities and their water sources.”
The National Mining Association also sued the EPA over the new rules.35Patrick Reis. “W.Va. Sues Obama, EPA Over Mining Coal Regulations,” The New York Times, October 6, 2020. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qYL3N
April 2019
Manchin praised then-President Donald Trump and Energy Secretary Rick Perry for supporting the Appalachian Storage Hub.36(Press Release. “MANCHIN APPLAUDS ADMINISTRATION’S LATEST RECOGNITION OF THE ROLE APPALACHIA WILL PLAY IN AMERICA’S ENERGY FUTURE, THANKS SECRETARY PERRY FOR MOVING APPALACHIAN STORAGE HUB FORWARD,” Manchin.Senate.Gov, April 10, 2019. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/k92Br
โAfter talking with Secretary Perry this week and after todayโs executive order, I am more confident than ever that the Administration is serious about being a partner in helping us develop the Appalachian Storage Hub. Since 2017, I have been working with the Administration and Secretary Perry to make sure they understood the positive economic impact and the potential energy security an Appalachian Storage Hub will bring to West Virginia and the country,” Manchin said.
2010
The American Chemistry Council (ACC), the nation’s largest chemical industry lobby group, helpled fund a commercial supporting Joe Manchin’s bid for the U.S. Senate. Lee Fang at The Nation would go on to report that the ACC spent $225,000 to air the ad, which described Manchin as a “Senator for Our Future.”37Lee Fang. “Never Mind Super PACs: How Big Business Is Buying the Election,” The Nation, August 29 2012. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/4GS5p
Fang reported that after Manchin was elected, he “went to work as a loyal ally of the industry. He has cited ACC in his speeches on job creation, appeared at the groupโs events and supported its interests in Congress.
“Manchin was the lone Democrat to co-sponsor Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnellโs amendment to bar the EPA permanently from using the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gasesโa position being pushed at the time by the ACCโs top lobbyist, Cal Dooley,” Fang reported.
“The ads come at a time when Congress has moved to delay key updates to the Toxic Substances Control Act, which regulates the chemicals used in consumer products,” Fang reported. “When New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg introduced a bill to this effect, Manchinโs name was conspicuously absent from a list of supporting senators.”
ACC later aired a second set of ads to support Manchin’s re-election.
Affiliations
- The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) โ Former member. ALEC State Chair for Virginia in 1991. Later became ALEC’s national treasurer.38Brendan Fischer. “ALEC Member “American Chemistry Council” Drops $649K on Wisconsin U.S. Senate Race,” The Center for Media and Democracy’s PR Watch, September 6, 2012. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qqw3f
- Enersystems Inc. โ President, 1998. Reported at least $1,781,171 in income in combined 2009 and 2010 financial disclosures. Manchin and his brother founded the comapny, a coal brokerage, in 1988. 39Manuel Quinones and Elana Schor. “Sen. Manchin Maintains Lucrative Ties to Family-Owned Coal Company,” The New York Times, July 26, 2011. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/1DQUL
Social Media
Publications
Sample articles by Joe Manchin:
- “I will not vote to eliminate or weaken the filibuster,” The Washington Post, April 7, 2021.
- “Joe Manchin: Why I’m voting against the For the People Act,” Charleston Gazette-Mail, June 6, 2021.
Other Resources
- “Joe Manchin” on Wikipedia.
- “Joe Manchin Is Not a Fossil,” Slate, February 17, 2021.
- James Bruggers. “The Senateโs New Point Man on Climate Has Been the Democratsโ Most Fossil Fuel-Friendly Senator,” Inside Climate News, January 13, 2021.
Resources
- 1“Manchin, Joe, III,” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Archived July 1, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/6nG3d
- 2“Manchin, Joe, III,” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Archived July 1, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/6nG3d
- 3Clare Foran. “West Virginia’s Conservative Democrat Gets a Primary Challenger,” The Atlantic, May 9, 2017. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qiKlk
- 4“The 3 Democrats Who Voted Against the Green New Deal,” The Atlantic, March 26, 2019. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/BBMce
- 5“Senator Shelley Moore Capito: ‘I didn’t come here to hurt people’ | Morning Joe | CNBC,” YouTube video uploaded by user “MSNBC,” June 29, 2017. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.
- 6“Manchin, Joe, III,” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Archived July 1, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/6nG3d
- 7“About,” Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources. Archived May 25, 2022. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/r5zxX
- 8Christopher Flavelle and Julie Tate. “How Joe Manchin Aided Coal, and Earned Millions,” The New York Times, March 27, 2022. Archived April 24, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/3lfpN
- 9Christopher Flavelle and Julie Tate. “How Joe Manchin Aided Coal, and Earned Millions,” The New York Times, March 27, 2022. Archived April 24, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/3lfpN
- 10Christopher Flavelle and Julie Tate. “How Joe Manchin Aided Coal, and Earned Millions,” The New York Times, March 27, 2022. Archived April 24, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/3lfpN
- 11Manuel Quinones and Elana Schor. “Sen. Manchin Maintains Lucrative Ties to Family-Owned Coal Company,” The New York Times, July 26, 2011. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/1DQUL
- 12“Manchin, Joe, III,” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Archived July 1, 2022. Archive URL: http://archive.today/6nG3d
- 13Brendan Fischer. “ALEC Member “American Chemistry Council” Drops $649K on Wisconsin U.S. Senate Race,” The Center for Media and Democracy’s PR Watch, September 6, 2012. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qqw3f
- 14(Press Release). “MANCHIN TO SUPPORT SUPREME COURT NOMINEE NEIL GORSUCH,” Manchin.senate.gov, March 30, 2017. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/XZ3G7
- 15Catie Edmondson. “Joe Manchinโs Yes on Kavanaugh Finds Sympathy in West Virginia,” The New York Times, October 8, 2018. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/uNxnH
- 16(Press Release). “MANCHIN VOTES TO CONFIRM DOJ ATTORNEY GENERAL NOMINEE JEFF SESSIONS,” Manchin.Senate.Gov, February 8, 2017. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/dHvNI
- 17“How Senators Voted on Steven Mnuchin for Treasury Secretary,” The New York Times, February 13, 2017. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Esr5c
- 18(Press Release). “MANCHIN VOTES TO CONFIRM SECRETARY OF STATE NOMINEE REX TILLERSON,” Manchin.Senate.Gov, February 1, 2017. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/80mtF
- 19“The 3 Democrats Who Voted Against the Green New Deal,” The Atlantic, March 26, 2019. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/BBMce
- 20“Ranking Member Manchin’s Opening Statement From Hearing On Electricity Sector In Changing Climate,” YouTube video uploaded by user “Senate Energy Dems, Chairman Joe Manchin III,” March 5, 2019. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.
- 21“Overnight Energy & Environment โ Presented by the American Petroleum Institute โ Manchin: Gas ‘has to’ be part of the clean energy program,” The Hill, September 30, 2021. Archived October 14, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/0TCEX
- 22(Press Release). “MANCHIN VOTES AGAINST THE GREEN NEW DEAL,” Manchin.Senate.Gov, March 26, 2019. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/LR82r
- 23“Obama Is Seen as Frustrating His Own Party,” The New York Times, August 18, 2014. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Cw6bu
- 24“Dead Aim – Joe Manchin for West Virginia TV Ad,” YouTube video uploaded by user “Joe Manchin,” October 9, 2010. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.
- 25Patrick Reis. “W.Va. Sues Obama, EPA Over Mining Coal Regulations,” The New York Times, October 6, 2020. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qYL3N
- 26“STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION: FILING FEC-1600867,” Federal Election Commission. Archived January 31, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/IK1a6
- 27Individual contributions search for the Manchin Leadership Fund, Federal Election Commission. Data retrieved January 31, 2023.
- 28Donald Shaw. “How Manchin Capitalized on Being at the Center of the IRA Debate,” Sludge, October 19, 2022. Archived January 31, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/svDRZ
- 29“Joe Manchin: Why I’m voting against the For the People Act,” Charleston Gazette-Mail, June 6, 2021. Archived June 12, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/hlRpX
- 30Barbara Sprunt. “Manchin Is Unmoved On The Voting Rights Bill After He Met With Civil Rights Groups,” NPR, June 8, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/LJhW8
- 31Devan Cole, Aileen Graef, and Daniella Diaz. “Manchin defends bucking voting rights bill and digs in against eliminating the filibuster,” CNN, June 7, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/GEsHi
- 32“Manchin, Senate ENR Hold First Senate Climate Hearing Of 116th Congress,” Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources press release, March 5, 2019. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/SkrEs
- 33Molly Christian. “US Senate energy panel brainstorms climate action strategies,” ClimateWire, March 13, 2019.
- 34Patrick Reis. “W.Va. Sues Obama, EPA Over Mining Coal Regulations,” The New York Times, October 6, 2020. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qYL3N
- 35Patrick Reis. “W.Va. Sues Obama, EPA Over Mining Coal Regulations,” The New York Times, October 6, 2020. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qYL3N
- 36(Press Release. “MANCHIN APPLAUDS ADMINISTRATION’S LATEST RECOGNITION OF THE ROLE APPALACHIA WILL PLAY IN AMERICA’S ENERGY FUTURE, THANKS SECRETARY PERRY FOR MOVING APPALACHIAN STORAGE HUB FORWARD,” Manchin.Senate.Gov, April 10, 2019. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/k92Br
- 37Lee Fang. “Never Mind Super PACs: How Big Business Is Buying the Election,” The Nation, August 29 2012. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/4GS5p
- 38Brendan Fischer. “ALEC Member “American Chemistry Council” Drops $649K on Wisconsin U.S. Senate Race,” The Center for Media and Democracy’s PR Watch, September 6, 2012. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qqw3f
- 39Manuel Quinones and Elana Schor. “Sen. Manchin Maintains Lucrative Ties to Family-Owned Coal Company,” The New York Times, July 26, 2011. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/1DQUL