Democratic Senate Chair Blasts Biden Administration’s Energy Policies and Practices

Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia did not hold back in his criticism of the Biden administration’s energy policies during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee meeting on Thursday. In a scathing introduction to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Manchin accused the administration of prioritizing election-year politics over a long-term strategy for the country.

Manchin expressed frustration with the lack of progress on energy-related decisions and the department’s alleged unresponsiveness to Congress. He stated, “The radical climate advisers in the White House have put election-year politics ahead of a thoughtful and achievable long-term strategy for the country.”

His remarks drew praise from committee Republicans, with Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota calling them “right on.” Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska also criticized the administration, accusing them of working against Alaskans and reducing the state to a “debit card” for national environmental groups.

The meeting also saw sharp exchanges between Republican senators and Secretary Haaland on various issues, including the Lava Ridge wind energy project in Idaho and the grizzly bear population in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Haaland faced tough questioning from senators on these topics, with some expressing dissatisfaction with her responses.

The meeting highlighted ongoing tensions between the Biden administration and lawmakers over energy and environmental policies. The House recently approved a bill that would block a Bureau of Land Management rule on public lands use, further underscoring the divide between the administration and Congress on these issues.

Overall, the meeting showcased the deep divisions and disagreements between lawmakers and the Biden administration on energy and environmental policies, setting the stage for further debates and discussions on these critical issues.