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Editor, News-Register:
What is Sen. Manchin's plan to address climate change?
Surely he knows that emission reductions of 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050 are our best hope to prevent the most devastating consequences of a warming planet. Surely he knows that West Virginia is at risk for catastrophic flooding, and that recent research shows that West Virginia's geography actually makes it the most vulnerable state in the whole nation to climate-caused flood damage. Surely the senator knows that West Virginia's long-term economic health depends on investment in the energy sources of the future. So why is Sen. Manchin using his political power to gut the Clean Electricity Performance Program in the president's infrastructure and budget bills?
Sen. Manchin's personal wealth is tied to the coal and other fossil fuel industries. Is that why he votes to keep West Virginia tethered to a failing industry, instead of using his clout to help the people he is sworn to represent transition to a clean energy future? Does he value his own personal portfolio over the harms from floods, fires, hurricanes, crop failure, water shortages and mass migration that will result from a warming climate? Is he building a well-guarded bunker in New Zealand in hopes that he and his descendants will stay safe, no matter what happens to the rest of us? Or does he have a better plan to bring the emissions reductions needed to slow the rate of warming before dangerous feedback loops make disaster inevitable? If he has a better plan, it's time to hear it. The window of opportunity to stave off disaster for West Virginia and the rest of the planet is closing quickly.
Roberta Richards
Wheeling