March 25, 2011

On Final Day of "Our Values, Our Priorities" Tour, Manchin Calls for Energy Independence to Help Create Jobs

***Photo Attached***

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today wrapped up a weeklong tour of the state with an event at Westover All-Star Express, a local gas station, to focus on creating jobs and achieving energy independence. 

“Washington has failed to make it a priority to adopt a national energy policy, and every West Virginian has to pay the price at the gas pump,” Senator Manchin said. “If we truly value our nation’s future and if we are dedicated to job creation, we must become energy independent within this generation. I believe a plan to achieve energy independence must include a mix of all of our resources, must be environmentally responsible, and must challenge every state to do all it can to achieve energy independence – which will not only make us more secure by ending our dependence on foreign oil, but will help create American jobs right here at home.”

In light of the ongoing budget negotiations in Washington, Senator Manchin traveled the state this week and highlighted our values and priorities each day, including: getting our fiscal house in order, creating jobs, strengthening our families, protecting our children and seniors, growing small businesses and achieving energy independence within this generation.

Following his event in Westover, Senator Manchin visited the U.S. Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory to continue his focus on energy. He will take a tour and speak with officials. Senator Manchin will end the day with a a town hall meeting in Fairmont. .

Highlights and themes for the week include:

  • Monday: Creating Jobs: Speech at University of Charleston at 10 a.m. in Charleston
  • Tuesday: Taking Care of our Children and Families: Tour of Head Start Facility, 9:45 a.m. in Dunbar
  • Wednesday: Keeping our Promises to Seniors: Major Legislative Announcement and Roundtable on Seniors Issues, 10:15 a.m. in Charleston
  • Thursday: Supporting Small Businesses: Visits to Main Street in Sutton and Gassaway, “Coffee and Common Sense” Event in Gassaway
  • Friday: Achieving Energy Independence: Visit to the U.S. Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory in Morgantown and a Town Hall meeting in Fairmont

 

###