Washington, D.C.—In response to former Vice President Biden’s call to step up investments in owning tomorrow’s technologies, including batteries, SAFE President and CEO Robbie Diamond made the following statement:
“Transportation is on the cusp of a global shift to an electric, connected and autonomous future. Sitting on the sidelines while China spends billions to lead this transition has serious consequences for our auto industry, the 10 million jobs it supports, and its status as America’s advanced industrial base. We must invest swiftly and heavily to make sure we are not bystanders in the race to lead in the industries of the future. Our automotive sector was the Arsenal of Democracy in World War II, and it is the Arsenal of Health today; we need to make sure it retains that capacity for whatever lies ahead.”
The Vice President’s call for heavier investment in these technologies mirrors the recommendations SAFE has outlined in its recent Get America Moving Again (GAMA) report, which urges smart spending of stimulus money to position the United States for leadership in tomorrow’s transportation technologies and secure the supply chains for these industries. GAMA calls for greater spending in R&D, tax credit reform and expanded federal government programs such as Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program and the Low or No Emission Vehicle Program to accelerate the United States’ leadership capacity in tomorrow’s industries.
“SAFE stands ready to help all leaders who share this vision of securing America’s supply chain and industrial base. This is about jobs now and securing supply chains to provide jobs in the future. With smart spending, regulatory certainty and the backing of the federal government, the United States has the capacity, talent and experience to own the world’s technological future. We risk becoming dependent on China for our future transportation needs if we do not make this effort today,” Diamond added.
Contact: Alex Adams | 202.461.2374 | aadams@secureenergy.org
About SAFE
SAFE is an action-oriented, nonpartisan organization that aims to reduce America’s dependence on oil. Near-total dependence on petroleum in the transportation sector undermines the nation’s economic and national security, and constrains U.S. foreign policy. To combat these threats, SAFE advocates for expanded domestic production of U.S. oil and gas resources, continued improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency, and transportation sector innovations including electric vehicles, natural gas trucks, and autonomous vehicles.
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