Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg faced criticism during an interview on Wednesday morning regarding President Joe Biden’s electric vehicle mandates, which have forced car companies to shift towards electric cars. In response to concerns from the striking United Auto Workers, Buttigieg argued that the industry is moving towards electric cars, with or without the government’s push.
“These cars are going electric with or without us,” Buttigieg reiterated during the interview with CNN. He explained that the technology is advancing quickly and it’s inevitable that the industry will move towards electric vehicles. He also stated that the government is committed to providing support and programs to ensure a smooth transition and help workers find new opportunities.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg responds to workers’ concerns over Biden’s forced “transition” to electric vehicles:
“These cars are going electric with or without us” pic.twitter.com/lj2ouOIBNp
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 27, 2023
The strike by the United Auto Workers has been ongoing, with the main demand being a repeal of Biden’s electric vehicle mandate, which is set to reduce union jobs by at least 30 percent. The striking workers argue that the mandate would hurt their job security and lead to potential layoffs. Additionally, the strike includes other demands such as better wages and benefits.
One of the reasons for this strike is the financial strain on car companies due to the push towards electric cars. For instance, Ford is said to be losing $60,000 per electric vehicle it produces, and the company is expected to lose $4.5 billion this year alone. This financial burden adds fuel to the fire of concerns raised by the striking workers.
I know the “upper chamber” is busy with wardrobe policy at the moment but stop the lies.
Biden told automakers by 2030 they should have 50% of sales be EVs. That hamstrings the auto industry, which jeopardizes autoworkers livelihood.
“Union Joe” is responsible for this mess. https://t.co/s4ySY2HSFc
— Representative Lisa McClain (@RepLisaMcClain) September 20, 2023
However, Buttigieg’s comments are not unique, as they echo those made by Biden’s Climate Czar John Kerry earlier this year. Kerry had also argued that the industry is moving towards electric vehicles and that the government’s role is to accelerate that transition. He had also stated that the mandate would ultimately create more jobs and opportunities for workers in the industry.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump has vehemently opposed Biden’s mandate, vowing to repeal it if he were to be back in office. He released a statement on Tuesday, calling the mandate “draconian” and stating that it would “annihilate” the U.S. auto industry and cost thousands of workers their jobs. He also accused Biden of betraying American labor by pushing for this mandate.
Trump went on to criticize Biden’s economic policies, arguing that the U.S. economy would be negatively impacted by the shift towards electric vehicles, as jobs and wages would be lost to other countries. He emphasized his commitment to creating jobs and growing the economy during his time in office.
As the strike continues and discussions around Biden’s mandate heat up, it remains to be seen whether the government will consider repealing it or find ways to address the concerns of striking workers. However, one thing is clear – the push towards electric vehicles is irreversible, and the government must navigate this transition carefully to ensure minimal impact on workers and the industry.
John Kerry is asked what his message would be to oil and gas workers who “see an end to their livelihoods”:
“What President Biden wants to do is make sure that those folks have better choices… That they can be the people to go to work to make the solar panels.” pic.twitter.com/i9TYXlD9Jg
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) January 27, 2021
