Senator Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.) has ramped up criticisms of his party’s radical climate proposals as he prepares for a tough reelection battle in 2024. But the West Virginia Democrat voted to advance a Biden nominee who wants to eradicate the coal industry, mandate that corporations become “carbon neutral” by 2025, and has urged activists to “name and shame” energy companies.

Manchin, the chairman of the Senate Energy and National Resources Committee, voted this week to confirm David Crane as undersecretary for infrastructure at the Department of Energy. Crane, a former director at the state-owned Saudi Electricity Company, wants to eradicate the coal industry, mandate that major corporations become “carbon neutral” by 2025, and urged activists to “name and shame” companies that fail to fall in line.

Manchin asserted that Crane “is well qualified” for the job, which will oversee infrastructure projects under the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

[Manchin’s blockade didn’t last long, eh? Supposedly Manchin intended to oppose all of Biden’s appointees to positions with environmental regulatory authority, but that seems to have quietly faded. Perhaps Manchin realized that this posturing wouldn’t fool West Virginia voters next year when he will run again for *some* office — either senator or governor. He may still choose a No Labels presidential run, which will do nothing except pull votes away from Biden, assuming Manchin can even get on the ballot in most states. After the hypocrisy of this vote, Manchin may have little choice in the matter except to aim for something outside of West Virginia. — Ed]