Article Summary –
President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are targeting the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, specifically its electric vehicle and battery technology investments, with potential repeals threatening job losses in Michigan as warned by Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley. The Trump administration has already halted the allocation of funds designated by the Act, aiming to eliminate electric vehicle mandates, while proposed tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China pose additional economic threats to the auto industry. Industry experts predict that these tariffs could have severe repercussions on Michigan’s economy, further exacerbating the situation for clean energy jobs and the broader automotive sector.
President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are targeting the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act’s infrastructure investments, including electric vehicle and battery manufacturing funds. A major Michigan employer warns of potential job cuts.
Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley stated at an industry conference on Feb. 11, according to the Detroit News, that investments in battery plants in Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee might be at risk with the IRA’s potential repeal.
Ford, based in Dearborn, Michigan, ranks as the third-largest employer in the state, per the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
The Inflation Reduction Act allocated billions for electric vehicle transition grants and incentives. However, the Trump administration halted these funds to eliminate the “electric vehicle mandate.” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has vowed to abolish the “ridiculous E.V. mandates.”
Clean Jobs Midwest reports around 34,000 Michiganders in clean transportation roles, with many more in other clean energy areas.
Farley warned of significant economic risks from Trump’s proposed tariffs, Axios reported. He emphasized the potential impact of a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada on the U.S. industry.
Patrick L. Anderson, CEO of Anderson Economic Group in East Lansing, indicated these tariffs on steel, aluminum, and goods from Canada, China, and Mexico could severely affect Michigan’s auto industry, according to Axios’ report.
The White House has yet to comment on these concerns.
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