Since January 20, 2021, when Joe Biden was sworn in as president, one of the most critical opponents of his administration within the Democratic party has been Joe Manchin. The senator from West Virginia often makes public his opinions about the current White House administration, and electric cars are no exception. In a statement released Tuesday, he said the vehicles will increase U.S. dependence on China.
This time, Manchin, who is currently the chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, took a shot at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency recently launched a plan to boost electric vehicle (EV) sales starting in 2030 and accelerating in 2032.
Through a press release, the senator defined this initiative as "radical" and accused the agency of not telling Americans the truth. "The EPA is lying to Americans with false claims about how their manipulation of the market to push EVs will help American energy security," he wrote.
"In reality, this is a Trojan horse. To meet these timelines will mean strengthening our reliance on minerals and technologies controlled by the Chinese. Taken in concert with the clear violation of the IRA(Inflation Reduction Act) to undermine provisions that would actually secure these supply chains, this Administration is taking steps that will only result in a more energy secure and powerful China," he added in the missive.
Regarding the fight against climate change, he said that it should be done from other areas, without compromising with China. "I don't believe that making progress on climate change should come at the expense of our national and energy security. I fully support Congress overturning these dangerous EPA regulations," he concluded.
My statement on the @EPA's radical vehicle emissions standards: pic.twitter.com/yHl4zzP7tP
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) April 18, 2023
The senator recently showed his displeasure with the president when he vetoed a bill repealing a Department of Labor regulation. It allowed retirement investments to take into account environmental and social objectives.
"This administration continues to prioritize its radical political agenda over the economic, energy and national security needs of our country, and it is absolutely infuriating," Manchin said of the matter.
Manchin has not yet decided on his future
The senator has not yet decided on a possible third full term in the Senate. He was appointed to his current post in 2010 after the death of Robert Byrd. Should he decide to enter the race, 2024 will be difficult, given that he will be on the same ballot as the presidential candidates in a strong Republican stronghold.
Donald Trump carried West Virginia by 38.9 %. If that margin of victory is repeated for the Republican candidate, Manchin would need to get nearly 40% of the electorate to vote for the GOP for president and a Democrat for Senate.
The senator has also flirted with a possible presidential run, which would involve challenging President Biden in the Democratic primary. So far, the only ones to announce their campaign have been Marianne Williamson and Robert Kennedy Jr.
