Manchin’s Energy-Permitting Bill Stirs House Democratic Backlash
- Democrats’ left flank suggests possible government shutdown
- Move shows party fractures ahead of midterm elections
Senator Joe Manchin
Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Seventy-two House Democrats suggested they’re willing to force a government shutdown if party leaders move ahead with a plan to attach Senator Joe Manchin’s energy permitting bill to a must-pass stopgap spending measure.
The legislation, which is still being drafted, seeks to deliver speedier federal approval for energy infrastructure such as Equitrans Midstream Corp.’s stalled $6.6 billion Mountain Valley natural gas pipeline, which crosses Manchin’s home state of West Virginia. But the proposal faces strong opposition from environmental activists and progressive Democrats.