In West Virginia, the Senate race outcome may change the trajectory of US climate policy

Sen. Joe Manchin’s retirement could shift West Virginia's influence on U.S. climate policy, with the upcoming Senate race set to determine whether the state continues to bolster fossil fuels or embrace clean energy.

James Bruggers and Marianne Lavelle report for Inside Climate News.

In short:

Sen. Joe Manchin, a pivotal figure in U.S. climate policy, will retire, impacting future climate action.
The race to fill his seat sees Republican Gov. Jim Justice, a fossil fuel supporter, leading against Democrat Glenn Elliott, who advocates for climate action.
West Virginia has historically influenced national energy policy, often resisting robust climate initiatives.

Key quote:

"I truly believe with all my heart that God wants us to progress and like it or not, civilization only progresses with abundant cheap energy."

— Jim Justice, Governor of West Virginia

Why this matters:

The impending election will be a battleground for energy policy, with candidates likely to diverge sharply on their approaches to climate change. The outcome could determine whether West Virginia continues its legacy of coal and natural gas production or shifts towards embracing clean energy solutions. This transition is not just a political issue but one that deeply affects the state's economy and the livelihood of its residents, many of whom rely on the fossil fuel industry for jobs.

insideclimatenews.org

In West Virginia, the Senate race outcome may change the trajectory of US climate policy

See the record-breaking disaster data the government won’t publish

Northern Virginia farm tests if solar and agriculture can live in harmony

Trump administration moves toward an Arctic Alaska oil lease sale despite the government shutdown

Mosquitoes found in Iceland for first time as climate crisis warms country

The methane hunters of Melendugno

Burgum declares offshore wind ‘bad for everybody’

AI data centers create fury from Mexico to Ireland

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.