Manchin: Biden’s Energy Policy Disrespects Rural America
Joe Manchin / Getty Images
Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia didn’t hold back in his criticism of President Joe Biden’s proposed green energy policy, stating that it “spits in the face of rural America.”
The moderate Democrat released a statement in response to the White House’s proposed guidance for an electric vehicle charging tax credit, which was established by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The proposed guidance includes a broad definition of who would qualify for the credit.
“The administration just will not stop ignoring the law in pursuit of its radical climate agenda—no matter the cost,” Manchin said. “This proposed guidance completely spits in the face of rural America with a brand-new interpretation that makes close to the entire country eligible for a credit that was designed to help drive investment in fueling infrastructure for electric, hydrogen, or natural-gas-powered vehicles in rural and low-income areas where private businesses can’t or won’t invest.”
According to a fact sheet released by the White House last week, two-thirds of Americans would qualify for the credit under the proposed guidance. The credit aims to fund up to 30 percent of the cost of EV chargers for individuals and businesses in “low-income communities and non-urban areas.”
“This proposed guidance ensures that rural Americans will remain stuck at the end of the investment line, the exact problem this tax credit was supposed to address, choosing to give hand-outs to those that don’t need it while ignoring its responsibility to provide a hand up to rural communities at risk of being left behind,” Manchin said. “This proposal is just another example in a long line of this administration’s attempts to force electric vehicles on Americans and spend money that Congress didn’t account for and doesn’t have in the budget.”
The Inflation Reduction Act passed with Manchin’s support after negotiations with Biden. However, Manchin accused Biden of using “administrative interpretation” to deviate from the agreed-upon legislation.
In November, Manchin announced that he would not seek reelection to the Senate. Instead, he expressed interest in mobilizing the middle and bringing Americans together. Speculation has arisen that he may align with the centrist group No Labels, which aims to field a bipartisan third-party presidential ticket.
What are Manchin’s concerns about the potential job losses that could result from a shift towards renewable energy?
P>Manchin expressed concern that the guidance could disproportionately benefit wealthy individuals and urban areas, while neglecting the needs of rural communities. He argued that rural America relies heavily on traditional energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, and Biden’s green energy policy fails to recognize this reality.
“Rural America has been the backbone of our nation’s energy production for decades,” Manchin said. “It is unfair and unjust to disregard the impact that these new policies will have on the livelihoods of hardworking Americans in rural communities.”
Manchin also raised concerns about the potential job losses that could result from a shift towards renewable energy. He emphasized the importance of supporting industries and workers in coal and fossil fuel production, stating that they provide crucial economic stability for rural areas.
“We cannot simply abandon these industries and the workers who depend on them,” Manchin said. ”We need to find a balanced approach that promotes clean energy while also protecting the livelihoods of those who have powered our nation.”
Manchin’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the Biden administration’s energy policies. The White House has been pushing for significant investments in renewable energy and electric vehicles as part of its efforts to combat climate change. However, critics argue that these policies could have negative implications for industries and communities that rely on traditional energy sources.
Manchin’s opposition to Biden’s energy policy is significant given his role as a pivotal swing vote in the evenly divided Senate. His stance could potentially make it more challenging for the administration to advance its green energy agenda.
The senator’s criticism is not entirely surprising, as he represents a state heavily reliant on coal production. West Virginia has long been a major player in the coal industry, and any moves towards renewable energy could have a significant impact on the state’s economy and workforce.
It remains to be seen how Manchin’s opposition will shape the future of Biden’s energy policy. As the debate continues, it is clear that finding a middle ground that addresses both environmental concerns and the needs of rural communities will be crucial.
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