03 February 2010

Manchin Heads to the White House

Months after calling for a sit-down with President Obama to discuss coal and climate change, Gov. Joe Manchin has landed an invitation to the White House.

The Associated Press reports that Obama "is meeting with governors from coal-producing states, hoping to earn their support for a languishing energy bill and to bolster his image as a leader willing to work with Republicans as well as Democrats."

Vice President Joe Biden is also expected to take part. The Charleston Daily Mail focuses on Manchin's plans to attend.

"I think there's a misconception that we don't recognize we need to do our part for the environment," the governor told the newspaper, adding that "Just cutting out coal is not feasible... It's not going to happen."

Manchin heads to DC armed with a resolution endorsed by the state Senate and House that opposes federal cap and trade legislation.

Obama mentioned hearing from Manchin about coal during last week's Q-and-A with House Republicans in Baltimore.

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