Coal and Politics in West Virginia

Apparently, Sen. Joe Manchin (D- W.Va.) accepted thousands of dollars in donations from a political action committee founded by a fellow Senate Democrat, progressive Jeff Merkley (D-OR), who wants to put “every coal electricity generating plant in a museum,” a Federal Election Commission report revealed.

Manchin has been vocal about saving the coal industry and the need for coal miners, but this is viewed by some as a betrayal. 

Politics puts people, even decent and honest people, into difficult positions at times.  Bernie Sanders is probably the most sincere and progressive member of the U.S. Senate, but I don’t think he’s going to take up the mantle of gun control.  He comes from Vermont, with its strange blend of rugged individualism, low population density,  and complete indifference to the cultural norms of the other 49 states.  People from Vermont have no more tolerance for gun control than do the citizens of Montana or Wyoming.

The coal industry is in the throes of death all over the developed world, and the political beliefs of the folks in West Virginia aren’t going to put a dent in that.  The consumption of coal releases a considerable array of toxins, but that’s just the start.  Even in the absence of concern for human health, operating coal plants has extremely unattractive economics that are getting worse with each passing year.

It would be wise on the part of West Virginians to realize this.  We understand that their ancestors were mining coal going back to before the American Revolution, but technology has moved on, cost curves have shifted, and for most, responsibility to others is an important factor in the way we live our lives.

What happens to Manchin and his “betrayal” will be interesting to watch.