An overhaul of natural gas pipeline permitting by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is set to be included in a congressional spending package this week, but some House Democrats are balking at the measure to clear the path for Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP).

mountain valley pipeline map

Stopgap spending legislation, known as a continuing resolution (CR), is likely to be unveiled as Congress returns to work this week to prevent a government shutdown at month’s end. The 2022 fiscal year ends Sept. 30, and the spending measure would give lawmakers time to finalize 2023 spending. 

Manchin, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, voted in support of President Biden’s landmark Inflation Reduction Act. To secure his vote, President Biden, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Speaker Nancy...