"Auto Negotiations Test Biden’s Vow To Create A Climate-Friendly Future"

"Administration seeks a way to nudge U.S. consumers to buy EVs, which account for just 2 percent of sales"

"Phasing out the internal-combustion engine is critical to President Biden’s vow to retool the American economy for a low-carbon future. In a massive infrastructure plan set to be unveiled Wednesday, Biden is expected to signal just how far he is willing to go to achieve his climate goals.

Environmentalists say Biden must set an aggressive deadline — as early as 2035 — for when all new vehicles must be carbon-free. But car manufacturers are demanding generous federal incentives to speed the transition to electric engines. And union leaders are warning that the switch is virtually certain to cost their members jobs.

Serious negotiations are just beginning. Over the weekend, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), a former auto industry executive who represents a union stronghold southwest of Detroit, convened a discussion among the rival factions, urging them to pull together behind Biden’s vision of a robust market for electric vehicles, in part by establishing a nationwide network of charging stations."

Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson report for the Washington Post March 30, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"Biden Proposal: $174 Billion for EVs, New Funds For Renewable Power" (Reuters)

"Biden Infrastructure Plan Targets Electric Cars, Clean Power" (Bloomberg)

Source: Washington Post, 03/31/2021