United Mine Workers president says criticism of Joe Manchin from coal groups over his support of the climate and tax bill is 'absolute bull'

The president of the United Mine Workers of America defended Sen. Joe Manchin against attacks that the recently passed reconciliation climate and tax was bad for the coal industry

Cecil Roberts, the leader of the union which represents thousands of coal workers, called the criticism "absolute bull" and said the bill would benefit members in the state.

He dismissed the criticism that he said was spread by opponents.

Billions of dollars in tax credits for the application of Carbon Capture and Storage technology, which would allow coal-fired power plants to extend their lives for decades, is one of the benefits of the legislation. This is the first time Congress has taken steps to support the coal industry.

The bill will provide incentives for manufacturers to build plants in the coalfields, which will provide good jobs to thousands of coal miners who have already lost their jobs. I don't understand how anyone who cares about working West Virginians can trash this bill.

The tax on coal companies that provides benefits for miners who have been afflicted with black lung disease was a key provision of the bill.

Many coal industry leaders have reacted negatively to the legislation, fearing it will be detrimental to the coal industry, which has declined across the United States in recent decades.

The West Virginia Coal Association wrote a letter stating that an excise tax included in the bill would deprive them of millions of dollars needed to stabilizing energy costs and keeping prices competitive.

They wrote that the legislation left them with no one to call a friend.

Manchin is up for reelection in 2024 in a state that has moved away from Democrats over the past 25 years and supported former President Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020.

In spite of the Republican leaning of the state, Manchin was able to retain his seat in the state.

The tax and climate bill, which has been passed by the House and Senate and currently awaits President Joe Biden's signature, would allow a three-year extension of subsidies for individuals to buy health insurance through theAffordable Care Act.

$739 billion in revenue would be generated by the bill over the next ten years.