Biden to invoke Defense Production Act for electric vehicle battery materials

Biden to invoke Defense Production Act for electric vehicle battery materials


U.S. President Joe Biden announces the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day for the next six months from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, as part of administration efforts to lower gasoline prices, during remarks in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building’s South Court Auditorium at the White House in Washington, U.S., March 31, 2022.

Kevin Lamarque | Reuters

President Joe Biden will invoke the Defense Production Act to encourage domestic production of minerals required to make batteries for electric vehicles and long-term energy storage. It will also help the U.S. minimize dependence on foreign supply chains.

The president’s order could help companies receive government funding for feasibility studies on projects that extract materials for EV production, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite and manganese.

The Defense Production Act, established by President Harry Truman during the Cold War, allows the president to use emergency authority to prioritize the development of specific materials for national production.

“The President will issue a directive, authorizing the use of the Defense Production Act to secure American production of critical materials to bolster our clean energy economy by reducing our reliance on China and other countries for the minerals and materials that will power our clean energy future,” the White House said in a statement on Thursday.

The Department of Defense will impose the authority using “strong environmental, labor, community, and tribal consultation standards,” the White House said. The administration also said it’s reviewing further uses of the law to “secure safer, cleaner, and more resilient energy for America.”

The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, representing about one-third of emissions every year. The transition away from gas vehicles to EVs is critical to combating human-caused climate change.

Demand for lithium has also boomed as more auto companies race to develop EVs. Growth in the number and size of batteries for EVs could comprise more than 90% of lithium demand by 2030, according to the firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. And about 24% of new vehicles sold globally will likely be fully electric by 2030, according to forecasts from consulting firm AlixPartners.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the specifics of the President’s announcement, but the Biden administration should be commended for their efforts to secure the production of critical minerals like lithium here at home,” Lithium Americas, a resource company focused on lithium development, said in a statement.

The administration in February unveiled a plan to allocate $5 billion to states to fund  EV chargers over five years as part of the bipartisan infrastructure package. The U.S. is the world’s third-largest market for EVs behind China and Europe.

Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz said in a statement that the organization “appreciates President Biden taking steps to invest in clean energy and help further lead the world in the transition.”

“However, it’s essential that this be done properly,” Cruz added. “We must ensure that labor and environmental standards are not sidestepped, nor are the crucial consultations with Tribal nations and communities who would be directly affected.”

The White House on Thursday also announced a new release of oil from its strategic reserves to help cut gas prices and fight inflation across the U.S. The announcement comes as the administration seeks to combat a hike in energy prices prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

— CNBC’s Cat Clifford contributed reporting.



Source

Home Depot is acquiring specialty distributor SRS for .25 billion in huge bet on growing pro sales
Business

Home Depot is acquiring specialty distributor SRS for $18.25 billion in huge bet on growing pro sales

Home Depot on Thursday said it is acquiring SRS Distribution in a $18.25 billion deal, the latest and largest sign of its ambitions to drive sales by winning more business from contractors, roofers and other home professionals. The home improvement retailer expects the acquisition to close this fiscal year, which ends in late January. It […]

Read More
Largest U.S. sportsbooks join forces to tackle problem gambling
Business

Largest U.S. sportsbooks join forces to tackle problem gambling

Seven of the nation’s largest gaming companies are joining forces to create a trade group to promote responsible gaming, and for the first time ever, will share information about problem gamblers. The seven operators — FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Penn Entertainment, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, Hard Rock Digital and bet365 — will form the Responsible Online […]

Read More
Costco and Sam's Club's smaller rival BJ's Wholesale will open more clubs in Southeast
Business

Costco and Sam's Club's smaller rival BJ's Wholesale will open more clubs in Southeast

A BJ’s Wholesale Club is shown in Falls Church, Virginia, May 23, 2023. Win Mcnamee | Getty Images BJ’s Wholesale Club said Wednesday that it will open four clubs in the Southeast and one in the Midwest this year, as it tries to expand and attract members in other parts of the country in a […]

Read More