Despite being offered everything he said he wanted — none of which our climate and communities could afford — Manchin still wont vote for any legislation that addresses the climate crisis.
At this point, it's hard to even be shocked or outraged anymore. Democrats were elected on the most pro-climate platform in American history. To a person, every elected Dem-leader we've got says the climate crisis is an "existential threat" demanding immediate action. But it's been two years, and Joe Manchin is still calling all the shots, dictating the worst possible policy outcomes to Pelosi, Schumer, and Biden.
If there's a silver lining, it's that Congressional leadership and President Biden now have nothing to gain by negotiating with or ceding power to Joe Manchin. And it's not too late, and none too early, for them to get serious and act at the speed and scale that the crisis demands. What Sen Sheldon Whitehouse last night called "executive Beast Mode" on twitter.
That includes several of our favorite and recommended policies:
If you agree – if you're fed up with this nonsense and want Congressional Climate leaders to start acting on climate, and to hell with Joe Manchin and his obstruction – take any or all of the actions above, and then make a call:
You can reach Sen Schumer, who has the power to negotiate (or not) with Joe Manchin, and who can take away his committee chair anytime he chooses at 866-581-3558: Tell Schumer’s staff "We told you Joe Manchin was a liar and a cheat. Stop playing footsie with climate deniers already and play hardball. Put a reconciliation bill that ends the era of fossil fuels on the floor like you promised months ago. If Manchin won't vote for it, kick him off the Senate Energy Committee."
If you're really fed up, we also encourage you to make a plan and join us at the Congressional Baseball game on July 28 for the "Now or Never" protest that intends to shut down Congress’ play time, unless they pass climate legislation this month. We'll have more on this action and how to get involved next week.
Sincerely,
Drew and the 198 paths to climate action but Joe Manchin ain't nothing crew.