Staff Reports
Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, a Democratic member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has blocked the nomination of Jeff Marootian to be the assistant secretary of the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Marootian is currently a senior adviser to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. The DOE has proposed stove efficiency regulations that include stricter emissions and energy efficiency standards on gas stoves, and this is a key issue for Manchin.
Manchin took down another Biden Nom https://t.co/VAgjZJHsSX
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) May 17, 2023
These regulations come as no surprise in a Biden administration that has made clear its hostility to the fossil fuel industry. Manchin has been a critic of the president’s climate bill. The bill aims to reduce inflation and was pushed for by Manchin as part of a deal to pass permitting reform measures. However, he has criticized the Biden administration for favoring foreign firms through IRA tax credits and criticized the administration’s opposition to the fossil fuel industry.
Manchin’s main issue with the efficiency regulations introduced by Marootian is that they are part of a broad effort by the current administration to eliminate fossil fuels from our energy mix. This is a shot across the bow by Manchin, and his statement is a clear indication that he will not sanction any move that will harm the United States’ fossil fuel industry. The regulations are just a prelude to the administration’s ultimate objective, which is to eliminate fossil fuels as an energy source.
The environment is a genuine concern to many Americans, but the country’s fossil fuel industry is crucial to their livelihoods. Many rely on the industry for their livelihoods, and Manchin is determined to protect their interests. While the DOE has not commented on this issue, Manchin’s views are crystal clear. The country needs fossil fuels, and Manchin will not allow the Biden administration to take steps that would make them prohibitively expensive.
The Energy and Natural Resources Committee is responsible for considering nominees to the Department of Energy and it is clear that Manchin takes his position very seriously. He has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s policy towards the fossil fuel industry and is not willing to compromise on this issue. Even though the rules Marootian would help implement apply to new stoves only, Manchin is not comfortable moving forward with the nominee at this time. Republican voters can rest assured knowing that there are representatives like Manchin fighting tirelessly for their interests.
