LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky Gov. Any Beshear said Thursday that two massive electric vehicle battery plants under construction in Hardin County aren't in danger of being shut down amid new pushes by President Donald Trump's administration to slow the United States' emphasis on the alternative vehicles.
During a speech at the Republican National Convention in July 2024, Trump said he planned to "end the electric vehicle mandate on day one." But after taking office, he signed an executive order in which he instead promised to, at some point, eliminate what he incorrectly continued to call Biden's "electric vehicle mandate." His order is consistent with pledges made on the campaign trail to end what he calls a "preposterous" focus on EVs by former President Joe Biden and other Democrats.
Trump also pledged to pursue a repeal of a $7,500 tax credit for new EV purchases approved by Congress as part of Biden’s landmark 2022 climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act.
While there is no Biden "mandate" to force the purchase of EVs, he set a non-binding goal to have EVs make up half of new cars sold by 2030.
After taking office, the Trump administration directed states to stop spending money for EV charging infrastructure, money they were allocated under Biden. Trump may need an act of Congress to accomplish this, and it’s unclear if that will happen.
Beshear said the halt on charging stations isn't a threat to the plants in Glendale because the money was already allocated.
"Especially among two-car families that are having to see President Trump's policies raise the price of gas at the pump, an E-V is a pretty good option to not have to pay that Trump tax on your gas," Beshear said Thursday in Frankfort.
BlueOval SK's first battery plant is on track to open in 2025, but equipment, hiring and production are indefinitely delayed at the second factory. However, Kentucky's deal gives BlueOval SK until the end of 2030 to reach the full 5,000-job target for the battery campus.
Related Stories:
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- Beshear, community leaders officially open employee training center for Ford EV plant in Hardin County
- Despite delay, BlueOval SK has plenty of time to meet terms of Kentucky deal
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