The movie “Back to the Future Part II” famously predicted we would be driving flying cars by 2015. We’re still driving on roads, but there is no question the automobile industry is evolving and changing how we move around. Today’s vehicles are more reliable and fuel efficient. It’s important they continue to be affordable even as more technology gets integrated. I’m championing initiatives to make that a reality well into the future.
Significant investments have been made into the development of electric vehicles (EVs) and the infrastructure to support them. These innovations hold a lot of promise, and enthusiasm among consumers is rising.
Arkansas is blessed with a rich supply of lithium, a key component of EV batteries. I’m proud to support businesses growing their footprint in southeast Arkansas to produce this mineral. Increased production will support quality jobs, energize the local economy and benefit our entire state.
Arkansas Tech University recently announced an update to its curriculum to better meet this emerging industry’s needs. Students will soon be able to earn a bachelor of science degree in geosciences with an aim of working on the discovery and extraction of critical elements like lithium.
Finding American lithium resources is crucial to reducing our dependence on China since it largely controls the existing supply chain.
Made in America must be part of our strategy. Weeks ago, President Biden vetoed a measure passed by Congress requiring federally funded EV chargers to be made in the U.S. I look forward to supporting this resolution on the Senate floor again and hopefully overriding the veto.
This is one of many troubling policies adopted by the Biden administration that have the potential to drive up costs – making transportation more expensive – and limit choices available to Arkansas families.