Biden Faces Tougher Sell to Manchin as Coal Hits 12-Year High
- Central Appalachian coal prices rose to $89.75 a ton
- Manchin holds key vote on Biden’s social-spending plan
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Central Appalachia coal prices at a 12-year high could give West Virginia a boost just as President Joe Biden needs to persuade its Senator Joe Manchin to support a $2 trillion tax-and-spending package that includes climate-change measures.
Biden’s Build Back Better package now moves to the Senate after the House passed it on Friday. Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat, is at the center of negotiations for the proposal that includes spending on child and elder care, but also initiatives to reduce dependence on coal by investing in clean-energy technologies. Progressives want ambitious spending and environmental regulations to meet climate goals.