October 10, 2014

Senator Manchin Visits Rhode Island to Tour Coastal Areas and Discuss Climate Policy

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) traveled to coastal areas of Rhode Island with his colleague, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), to learn more about the effects climate change has on the Rhode Island shoreline. The trip was planned as a part of the Senators’ ongoing discussions about the need for meaningful conversations that lead to real solutions on combatting the adverse effects of climate change while also developing the technology necessary to produce affordable and reliable electricity that meets our nation’s growing energy needs. 

Senators Manchin and Whitehouse visited the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Tide Gauge in Newport, where the rise in sea-level has been measured for decades; toured BioProcess Algae, a local business that coverts carbon pollution into products such as animal feed and biodiesel; participated in a fish trawl survey on the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s research vessel; met with representatives from the commercial and recreational fishing community to learn about how changes in ocean conditions affect fish populations; and attended a climate change briefing by local experts from the University of Rhode Island’s (URI) Graduate School of Oceanography and the RI Coastal Resources Management Council.

“I am pleased that Senator Whitehouse and I have continued these important discussions about how we can establish an all-of-the-above energy policy that acknowledges the reality of climate change, while also understanding that fossil fuels – including coal – will be a vital part of our energy mix for decades to come,” Senator Manchin said. “It has been a pleasure to travel around Rhode Island’s beautiful coastline and meet with the great people of Rhode Island today. Working together, I hope that we can find that balance and show not only America, but the world, that we can look past our differences to better this planet now and for future generations.”

“America is still a beacon to the world, because we have the ability to work through disagreements to common ground, on a shared platform of fact,” Whitehouse said. “With the commitment of serious leaders like Sen. Manchin, I am confident that we can move forward on this issue in a way that preserves the economy and quality of life in West Virginia, in Rhode Island, and for all Americans. I thank him for joining me today in Rhode Island and I look forward to visiting West Virginia."

Senator Whitehouse will travel to West Virginia on October 22. Details of the upcoming trip will be available soon.

Senators Manchin and Whitehouse have also agreed to work on legislation to ensure that the Department of Energy’s available $8 billion in loan guarantees and $1.7 billion in available advanced fossil grants are used to invest in innovative technologies, including clean coal and natural gas technologies, to guarantee our energy supply remains accessible, affordable and reliable for all Americans.

To view photos of Senator Manchin’s trip to Rhode Island, please visit his website here.

###