"The West Virginia senator, who holds the swing vote in negotiations for a budget plan, wants to cut incentives. The president and most Senate Democrats say buyer credits are crucial to fight climate change."
"WASHINGTON — Senator Joe Manchin III’s opposition to government incentives for electric vehicles is a sticking point in negotiations over President Biden’s tax and spending package — talks that appear to be coming to a head this week after months of fits and starts.
Mr. Biden and most Senate Democrats want billions of dollars in tax credits for consumers who buy electric vehicles, which they see as key to fighting climate change.
The transition away from polluting gas-powered cars and trucks is even more critical to the administration’s climate goals after a recent Supreme Court decision that curtailed the government’s authority to cut pollution from power plants.
Mr. Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat who has taken more campaign contributions from oil, gas and coal companies than any other senator, has assailed the proposed tax credits, which would be worth up to $12,500 per vehicle, as unnecessary and wasteful. He has also expressed skepticism about increased government spending at a time of inflation."
Coral Davenport, Lisa Friedman, and Hiroko Tabuchi report for the New York Times July 12, 2022.
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