Joe Manchin says he’s ‘very, very’ disturbed about reconciliation proposals on climate change
Sen. Joe Manchin, the Democrats most pivotal swing vote, expressed his most serious concerns yet about a key element in their partys $3.5 trillion sweeping economic plan: Provisions dealing with climate change that have been sought by progressives. Manchin, who hails from coal-producing West Virginia, told CNN that hes very, very disturbed by provisions he believes would eliminate fossil fuels a warning sign for Democrats who need all 50 members of their caucus to sign off on the plan in order to get it through the Senate. But the climate provisions are key to getting support from liberals, particularly in the House. And how Democratic leaders keep both factions of their caucus will be key to determining if they can approve much of President Joe Bidens domestic agenda by the fall. I know they have the climate portion in here, and Im concerned about that, Manchin said moments after Biden met with Senate Democrats in the Capitol on Wednesday. Because if theyre eliminating fossils, and Im finding out theres a lot of language in places theyre eliminating fossils, which is very, very disturbing, because if youre sticking your head in the sand, and saying that fossil (fuel) has to be eliminated in America, and they want to get rid of it, and thinking thats going to clean up the global climate, it wont clean it up all. If anything, it would be worse. Democrats still need to draft their bill to expand the social safety net, which would go through the budget reconciliation process by September and cannot be filibustered, meaning it can advance with just 51 votes rather than 60. Separately, Manchin is central to an effort to approve nearly $600 billion in new spending on a narrower bill on infrastructure. But that infrastructure plan is going through the typical legislative process, which would need the support of at least 10 Republicans to overcome any filibuster attempt. The dual-track approach will only succeed if Senate Democrats unify behind it. But its clear that party leaders have their work cut out for them to keep their caucus in line. Thats a big amount, said Sen. Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat, when asked about the $3.5 trillion price tag. Yeah, I think we just got to figure out how its being spent, and how its being applied, figure out how its going to be paid for, and then make the assessment. In the proposal, Democrats propose a wide-range of measures dealing with child care, immigration, Medicare expansion and corporate tax hikes. But Manchin seemed generally open to most of the ideas, including the price tag, though the climate provisions sparked his ire. In the plan, Democrats want to meet Bidens climate change goals of 80% clean electricity and 50% economy-wide carbon emissions by 2030, according to a senior Democratic aide. The measure would fund a clean energy standard, vehicle tax incentives and electrification of buildings among other matters. The measure also would propose methane reduction and polluter import fees to reduce emissions, the aide said. Manchin wouldnt say if the climate provisions would be a dealbreaker for him, but said: I think reasonable people, if you show them the facts, and you agree that these are the facts, youll make the adjustments accordingly. And thats what Im hopeful for. ... Im going to do everything I can to make sure the United States of America remains energy independent. Manchin said he did not speak up when Biden was in attendance at Wednesdays lunch. But after Biden left, Manchin relayed his concerns to his colleagues. Asked if Biden singled him out, Manchin said, He talked a little bit. Said Joe this, and Joe that. ... A lot of Joes back and forth. No, no, no, we have a great relationship and well talk in detail. Manchin said Biden spoke about a priority in his state: making sure the abandoned mine lands are going to get cleaned up. People are going to get good jobs. Were going to be plugging a lot of orphan wells. Which are good jobs. Yet there are other potential landmines ahead, as well. Manchin also said that hes concerned about more spending driving up inflation. Im concerned, Manchin said. Im going to talk to some economists. Im going to dig deep into that. People in West Virginia, I spoke about this right now, are paying much higher gas prices; theyre paying food prices. ... Its not just a threat; its happening.