February 08, 2021

Manchin Support For Oil And Gas Industry Has Not Changed

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on his votes during the Senate’s February 4th vote-a-rama.

“My position on the oil and gas industry has not changed. I have always been and will always be an outspoken advocate for an all-of-the-above energy policy that includes fracking and responsible energy infrastructure development, like the Keystone XL pipeline. Last week, I voted in favor of multiple nonbinding amendments that expressed opposition to a ban on fracking and support for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. While I was disappointed that these provisions were removed from the final package, I voted to proceed forward on this urgent COVID-19 relief package because West Virginia families are hurting. They need more vaccines. They need more direct aid in the form of targeted checks. They need to know their unemployment benefits won’t run out in a few weeks. I will not let partisan games and political posturing hold this essential assistance hostage.

KEYSTONE RECORD

  • Senator Manchin introduced the original Keystone XL pipeline bill in 2012.
  • In 2014 and 2015, Senator Manchin voted in support of the Keystone XL pipeline because he believed it would be a tremendous job creator and secure American energy independence.
  • In 2017, Senator Manchin praised President Trump’s executive order to resume construction on the pipeline.
  • This year, Senator Manchin has repeatedly said he is not supportive of President Biden’s executive order to halt construction of the pipeline.