Joe Manchin's Impact on Climate Change Policy and Democratic Party

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin played a crucial role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the largest piece of US legislation aimed at combating climate change. Despite facing criticism for his ties to the fossil fuel industry, Manchin's vote was essential in getting the IRA over the line, which is projected to cut emissions by about 40 percent. He also played a key role in shaping the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, securing funding for climate change adaptation. While the IRA falls short of fully meeting climate goals and lacks a price on carbon, Manchin's support for climate legislation in a challenging political landscape deserves some credit.