The Daily Senator Joe Manchin’s Conflict of Interest
Mar 29, 2022
Christopher Flavelle, a climate reporter for The New York Times, dives deep into the controversial ties between Senator Joe Manchin and the coal industry. He reveals how Manchin's private coal business has influenced his political decisions, including blocking climate legislation. Flavelle discusses the historical context of Manchin's involvement with a specific West Virginia power plant and the ethical implications of his actions on climate policy. The investigation raises critical questions about the intersection of politics, profit, and environmental responsibility.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Manchin's Early Involvement with GOB
- Joe Manchin, early in his career, leveraged connections to help two developers build a power plant.
- The plant aimed to burn 'gob,' a waste product from coal mining, addressing energy independence.
Permitting and Business Dealings
- Manchin intervened to secure an environmental permit for the plant, despite potential air pollution concerns.
- Simultaneously, he established businesses to supply the plant with gob, creating a conflict of interest.
Tax Credit and Criticism
- After the plant opened, Manchin pushed for a tax credit benefiting gob-burning plants.
- He faced criticism for using his power to benefit a plant that was also his customer, creating conflicts of interest.