Manchin Decries GOP, Sanders Alliance Against Fossil Fuel Regulation Reform

During a Sept. 20 press conference, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) blasted Republicans for refusing to side with him on fossil fuel permitting reform as part of the upcoming government funding bill.

Following the passage of the $700 billion Inflation Reduction Act, which was largely negotiated between Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) behind closed doors, it was revealed that as part of the deal Schumer agreed to get Manchin the votes for fossil fuel permitting reforms.

Currently, permitting new fossil fuel ventures is a years-long process. Manchin has called for reforming this process now as U.S. consumers continue to face high gas prices and as Europe braces for a veritable energy crisis this winter.

‘Political Payback Scheme’

On the surface, the possibility of passing permitting reforms would seem to be in the interest of Republican senators, who have long pushed for just such reforms. However, the minority party has suggested that they will not support any such measure as part of a must-pass continuing resolution, saying that they refuse to give their support to a scheme devised in a backroom deal between the two top Democrats.

In one such comment, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said that any such bill would be “part of a political payback scheme,” and vowed not to support the move. This attitude seems to be shared by many of Graham’s GOP colleagues.

Also threatening Manchin’s hopes for permitting reform is the opposition of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), whose opposition to fossil fuels has propelled him to oppose the measure proposed by Manchin.

With both Republicans and Sanders rallied against him, it could be difficult for Manchin to push his demanded reforms through if leadership hopes to avoid a government shutdown.

‘Strange Bedfellows’

At a Sept. 20 press conference, Manchin took an uncharacteristically aggressive tone