Manchin Attacked EPA’s New Rules. They Could Cost Him Millions.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced his opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed regulations to reduce carbon emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants, saying it could push them “out of existence.” POLITICO reports that Manchin’s family business could lose a major source of income if one particular West Virginia coal plant closes. 

If the new EPA regulations proceed, many power plants may be pushed into installing expensive technology to capture their carbon emissions. Coal plants may choose to shut down rather than comply, POLITICO reports.

“This is going to make it harder for them to stay around,” said Brian Murray, interim director of the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, in an interview with POLITICO about the regulations.