Carte Goodwin (D-W.Va.) will be sworn in as a U.S. Senator today, to replace Senator Robert Byrd, who died earlier this month.
Goodwin appears to be a moderate, coal-supporting Democrat in the mold of his colleague Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W.VA).
On Monday, the 36-year-old politician told reporters he would not support cap-and-trade measures, such as though passed by the U.S. House last year in the Waxman-Markey bill. This means the chance of passing climate legislation this month is even slimmer.
Byrd had recently been critical of the coal industry, leading some Capitol Hill watchers to believe he may have been a "yes" vote for climate initiatives.
Goodwin says he has no intention of competing in the special election for his Senate seat to be held August 28. As a result, his time as a Senator may be short.
West Virginia Governor, Democrat Joe Manchin is considered the front-runner for the seat–though he has yet to officially enter the race. Manchin is a well-known supporter of West Virginia’s coal industry.
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