The $369 Billion Energy Question as Manchin Reverses Course

Few details are trickling out as energy insiders consider the apparent about-face by U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), which puts billions of dollars’ worth of clean energy provisions back on the table.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Manchin announced a new deal late on July 27. More than half of the total $739 billion package, $369 billion is earmarked for energy security and climate change.

Manchin’s previous angst over the domestic economy jeopardized the president’s energy slate on the July reconciliation bill earlier this month. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics had announced a 9.1% increase in the Consumer Price Index in June, which indicated the inflation rate is too high. Manchin shot down further talks about additional spending, including the $300 billion targeted for clean energy.