WASHINGTON — Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin has dealt what is likely to be a fatal blow to his party's plan to expand electric vehicle tax credits, one of the biggest policy priorities for the nation's automakers.
It's a development that has incensed Democrats and environmentalists, which began negotiations last year with the hopes of passing sweeping climate policy that has already been severely narrowed.
Industry advocates haven't given up hope the West Virginia senator will eventually agree to lift the 200,000 vehicle cap per manufacturer, but acknowledge it's unlikely — and say it will slow their ability to reach ambitious EV sales goals.
