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Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has been named Ranking Member on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for the 116th Congress, which begins in January 2019. He replaces Senator Cantwell (D-Wash.) who vacated the Ranking Member position on the Energy Committee to assume the role of Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee—a position that opened up with the election defeat of Senator Nelson (D-Fla.). Senator Manchin, being from a coal state, holds much more pro-fossil-fuel energy positions than most of his caucus.

In a press statement, Senator Manchin stated, “I am excited for the opportunity to continue to serve West Virginians in this new role as the lead Democrat on the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.” Senator Manchin also said, “This Committee has a long history of bipartisanship that has helped propel our nation’s energy technology forward. West Virginia is a leading energy producer and major contributor to advanced energy technologies, and I intend to ensure this progress is continued. The problems facing our country are serious, and I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common sense solutions for long-term comprehensive energy policy that incorporates an all-of-the-above strategy and ensures our state and our nation are leaders in the energy future.”

For questions on this article, please contact Dave Schryver of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-2742 or by email at dschryver@apga.org.