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The world is burning, but Joe Manchin’s feeling pretty good.
The West Virginia senator is pleased that the coal industry he draws profits from is doing so well.
I’m not sure I need to continue to make my feelings regarding Joe Manchin clear for what feels like the thousandth time. Nevertheless, he continues to make headlines, generating stories I cannot help but feel the need to address. This time, the West Virginia Senator who is proudly gutting legislation of key climate change provisions is boasting about the price of coal.
On C-Span, Manchin said:
“I can tell you, the coal market in West Virginia has never been hotter.”
He’s not wrong. Reports seem to indicate that the cost of coal is at a 12 year high. But of course, why would that bother the senator supposedly so concerned about inflation he’s willing to tank the entire democratic party and its legislation leading into the midterms?
Manchin’s defenders reliably point to the state he represents, arguing that his vested interest in keeping the coal industry afloat lies with the fact that West Virginia’s economy relies so heavily on coal. They argue that his position makes sense, considering how so many of the constituents he has to…
