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….