Joe Manchin: "WV Is A Major Contributor To Advanced Energy Technologies"
Why, because there's a DOE lab in Morgantown, placed and paid for by the federal government? 
EDIT
Manchin has offered to meet with his critics and vowed to work with anybody. "Tell them to please come talk to me. If you talk to them, tell them Sen. Manchin is open," he said previously.
In a statement today, Manchin pointed to his home state priorities and the energy panel's history of bipartisanship but did not specifically mention climate change.
"West Virginia is a leading energy producer and major contributor to advanced energy technologies, and I intend to ensure this progress is continued," Manchin said. "The problems facing our country are serious, and I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common sense solutions for long-term comprehensive energy policy that incorporates an all-of-the-above strategy and ensures our state and our nation are leaders in the energy future.”
EDIT
Manchin's ascendancy comes as current Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) moves to the Commerce Committee. Three others more senior than Manchin — Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) — all declined to leave their posts as ranking members of the Finance, Budget and Agriculture committees.
EDIT/END
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/12/11/manchin-senate-energy-natural-resources-committee-1058526