"WASHINGTON — West Virginia’s Joe Manchin will become the Democrats’ top member on the Senate energy committee, giving the coal-state lawmaker a prominent position to shape policy.
Manchin’s prospective ascension to the top Democratic spot on the energy panel had sparked the ire of some environmentalists, who warned that he wasn’t supportive enough of clean energy to win the post. Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, a potential candidate for the party’s 2020 presidential nomination, launched a petition drive last week warning that Manchin “simply can’t be trusted to make the bold, progressive decisions we need” from the energy committee’s senior Democrat.
After Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced his promotion Tuesday, Manchin said in a statement that he is “excited for the opportunity to continue to serve West Virginians in this new role.”"
Elana Schor reports for the Associated Press December 12, 2018.
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