First appearance on Fox: A coalition of 17 military veterans, including multiple one-, two- and three-star officers, is sounding the alarm on President Biden's aggressive push for electric vehicles (EVs) over its national security implications. .
Officials led by retired Army Maj. Gen. James Marks wrote in a letter to Biden and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan that the president's plans to mass-promote electric vehicles will increase dependence on Chinese supply chains. he warned. They write that regulatory efforts aimed at encouraging the uptake of EVs “reinforce the United States' vulnerability to political interference by the Chinese Communist Party.”
“There is no question that EVs will play an important role in the diversification of the U.S. transportation system. We believe this will be an urgent matter,” the officials wrote. “This trajectory will only make the United States even more dependent on China for the critical minerals and manufacturing needed to rapidly expand the EV market envisioned by the administration.”
“And even more concerning is the fact that this dependence depends on China's goodwill to export these minerals and industrial products to the United States,” the letter continued. “This will undoubtedly expose the United States to economic manipulation by China, similar to what Russia is doing with Ukraine's grain exports, and poses a major threat to our national security. We don't think now is the time to be vulnerable to such an attack.'' Easy political pressure.'' ”
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President Biden enters General Motors' electric vehicle assembly plant “Factory Zero” in Detroit, Michigan on November 21, 2021. (Nick Antaya/Getty Images)
Officials took particular issue with the EPA's April 2023 proposal to implement the most aggressive tailpipe emissions yet. Once finalized and implemented, it will cover a staggering 67% of new sedans, crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks. Up to 50% for buses and garbage trucks. 35% of short-haul cargo tractors. The EPA predicted that by 2032, 25% of long-haul cargo tractor purchases could be electric.
The White House said at the time that raising emissions standards for gasoline-powered vehicles would indirectly encourage vehicle emissions. Introduction of zero-emission vehicles and provide a “clear path to continued growth in EV sales.” Biden previously set a goal of making 50% of car purchases electric by 2030.
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Marks and 16 other veterans pointed out that EVs rely primarily on Chinese-made parts and raw materials processed in China.
Workers assemble electric cars at a factory in Yuncheng, Shanxi Province, China, on March 28, 2023. (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
“At nearly 10 times the current electric vehicle sales, this proposed rule is a clear example of callous policymaking that would benefit China's current geopolitical advantage in this market. Yes,” they continued in the letter.
“Intentionally tying America's economic and transportation stability to the operations of a country you have described as an economic 'ticking time bomb' exposes our economic and national security interests.” ” they said.
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According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) China is about Lithium-ion batteries, the main component of EVs, account for 75% of the world's demand. The country also boasts 70% of the production capacity of positive electrodes and 85% of the production capacity of negative electrodes, two important parts of such batteries.
Additionally, more than 50% of lithium, cobalt and graphite processing and refining capacity is located in China, according to IEA data. In addition to copper and nickel, these three important minerals are essential for EV batteries. Chinese investment companies are also actively involved. Purchase interests in African mines In recent years, in order to reliably control mineral production,
At an environmental justice ceremony held at the White House last year, President Biden met with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
At the same time, officials added that in August China imposed new restrictions on exports of gallium and germanium, two additional minerals used in EV batteries, causing price increases.
The letter says China's strategic position in the EV industry needs to be addressed before the U.S. moves forward with electrification strategies and regulations that “artificially increase demand for EVs.”
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Marks was joined by retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Robert Harward, retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Mastin Robson, retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral James Carey, retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Bentley Rayburn, and retired U.S. Air Force Vice Admiral EG Schuller. did. He was included in the letter along with retired colonels, captains, commanders, and majors.
EPA did not respond to requests for comment.
