Sanders will oppose Schumer-Manchin energy deal

Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders on Thursday promised to oppose the passage of energy permitting reform as part of a side deal between Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin.

"I rise this morning to express my strong opposition to the so-called side deal that the fossil fuel industry is pushing to make it easier for them to pollute the environment and destroy our planet," Sanders said, according to The Hill. He further labelled the agreement as "a huge giveaway to the fossil fuel industry."

"Really, at a time when climate change is threatening the very existence of our planet, why would anybody be talking about substantially increasing carbon emissions and expanding fossil fuel production in the United States?" he asked.

In exchange for his support in passing the $740 billion Inflation Reduction Act, Schumer agreed to support a separate measure to reform the permitting process for energy projects that would benefit Manchin's home state.

Schumer on Wednesday insisted he would honor the agreement and include the permitting reform in the next continuing resolution. Some House Democrats meanwhile, have expressed opposition to the plan, arguing they are not beholden to the deal since they were not parties to it originally anyway. 

"We sure as hell don't owe Joe Manchin anything now," Michigan Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib said. Manchin, for his part, has warned Democrats against reneging on the agreement.

Sanders' opposition will make the passage of Manchin's permitting reform difficult given the Democrats' hold only 50 seats in the Senate and Vice President Kamala Harris may only break a tie vote.