Staff Reports
In a recent hearing, Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri took Department of Energy (DOE) official David M. Turk to task on the Biden administration’s electric vehicle (EV) policy. Hawley wanted to know if this policy was truly in the best interest of the United States or if it actually benefited China.
'How Is It Good?': Josh Hawley Grills Energy Official On Biden's EV Push 'Enriching' Chinahttps://t.co/wnWv985wwf
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) January 12, 2024
Senator Hawley didn’t waste any time getting to the heart of the matter. He grilled Turk on which country stood to benefit the most from the administration’s push for EVs. Turk reluctantly admitted that China was the nation dominating the EV market, accounting for 60% of worldwide production. But it didn’t stop there. When asked about lithium-ion battery production, Turk had to admit once again that China had a stronghold, producing over three-fourths of these batteries.
Hawley didn’t hold back in his criticism. He pointed out that the Biden administration’s climate agenda and electric vehicle mandates were ultimately benefiting China, America’s greatest geopolitical adversary. By pushing the American supply chains into the hands of China, the administration was effectively enriching them economically while leaving American workers and taxpayers to foot the bill.
Furthermore, the senator highlighted the drawbacks of electric vehicles. He mentioned that on average, EVs cost $7,000 more than traditional vehicles, were more expensive to repair and insure, and required more frequent replacements of various parts. It seems that not only are Americans being forced to pay for expensive electric vehicles, but they are also being burdened with the additional costs that come with them.
To make matters worse, China has a firm grip on the EV industry. They control significant portions of manufacturing, including lithium refining, battery production, and cobalt mining. In fact, China controls more than three-fourths of cobalt mine output in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which controls 70% of the world’s cobalt supply. This level of control gives China a dangerous advantage in the global market.
Senator Hawley concluded his questioning by asking Turk why it was considered good for the American worker to rely on China, a rival and adversary, for their supply chains. It’s a valid point. By outsourcing our production to China, we are not only losing control over our own economy but also providing an economic advantage to a nation that poses a significant threat to our national security.
It is clear that the Biden administration’s EV policy is misguided and potentially harmful to American interests. By prioritizing climate goals over economic and national security concerns, the administration is putting our country at a disadvantage. It’s time for our leaders to take a step back and reevaluate their priorities. Americans deserve policies that prioritize their well-being and protect their interests, not policies that benefit our adversaries at our own expense.
