Schouten, Fredreka. “Joe Manchin Has Made Millions from Coal. His Ties Are Now Facing Examination as Democrats Scramble for a Climate and Economic Agreement.” CNN, Cable News Network, 27 Oct. 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/27/politics/joe-manchin-coal-interests/index.html.  

US Senator, Joe Manchin, is questioned for his strong discouragement for the transition to clean energy. He states that clean energy could be unreliable and that the United States should not increase its focus on the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. This has started some uncertainty where Joe is not allowed to use his Senate position to have insight on any financial companies or investments, however, his unwillingness to agree with Biden’s bill could be due to the 1-5million dollars he has with Energy Systems inc., a coal brokerage business he founded. 

 

In terms of this transition to clean energy, there are many skeptics on the idea of relying on clean energy, opposed to the traditional use of fossil fuels. More specifically, Manchin’s public opinion to stay away from clean energy could mislead United States citizens. His motivation could be not related to the climate at all, but rather his own business earnings. I believe that it is essential for the government to acknowledge this situation involving Manchin and to fully promote the stop of climate change by creating some sort of bill or rule that takes the economic piece out of saving our planet. Our world is priceless, but the selfishness that Minchin promotes could lead to disregarding the environment and solely focusing on money. Similar to our Carbon Tax and Cap and Trade, if people aren’t willing to lose money to help the planet, no progress will be made. Eliminating ideas that promote selfishness and “free riders” should be one of the first steps to limiting carbon emissions, as everyone who lives on this planet must work together to ensure its future.