Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the Department of Energy announced $2.8 billion in federal funding to spur electric vehicle battery manufacturing in the U.S. and expand the production of essential clean manufactured goods. The investments will go to 20 manufacturing and processing companies in 12 states, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee, and Washington.
The awards will leverage up to $9 billion for the domestic supply chain, helping to spur EV production at the pace required to meet our climate and health goals.
Additionally, the Biden administration today announced a whole-of-government effort, the American Battery Materials Initiative, to ensure that the critical minerals that make up EV batteries and solar panels, along with many other goods, meet strong environmental and labor standards and that there is meaningful community engagement and consultation with Tribal Nations.
Katherine García, director of Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign, released the following statement:
“We are at a turning point for electric vehicle adoption, and we applaud the Biden administration for its action today to strengthen our clean energy economy, create family-sustaining jobs, bolster the supply chain for EVs, and cut vehicle pollution. Our nation’s transition to electric vehicles must be one delivered with strong standards that invest in communities, especially those overburdened by pollution. Today’s announcement does just that.”
Hebah Kassem, director of Sierra Club’s Living Economy program, released the following statement:
“Today’s announcement is a win for the climate, for workers, and for communities. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past as we take steps toward the clean energy transition we need to mitigate the climate crisis and transform our economy. We will continue to advocate for transformative industrial policy that reverses inequities, supports family-sustaining jobs, and slashes pollution.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.