U.S. Senate Passes $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Boosting Clean Energy and EVs
The U.S. Senate has approved a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, earmarking funds for clean energy and electric vehicle charging stations. Meanwhile, the Biden administration plans to reinstate and strengthen Obama-era tailpipe emissions rules, sparking debate about the pace and scope of the plan. In other news, Tesla has ended a program paying California customers to send excess power from Powerwall batteries back to the national grid during high demand times.
The infrastructure bill, which includes $73 billion for clean energy expansion and nationwide electric vehicle charging stations, has received bipartisan support. However, its passage has been contentious, with U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who received nearly $500,000 from shares in a coal company, playing a crucial role in negotiations.
In the energy sector, Tesla has discontinued its 'virtual grid' program in California. The program, which paid customers to send excess power from their Powerwall batteries back to the national grid during high demand times, is no longer operational.
Elsewhere, indigenous activist Winona LaDuke continues to protest against the construction of Line 3, stating that tribes will fight against the pipeline. Meanwhile, about 1,100 striking Alabama miners rallied against Warrior Met Coal outside BlackRock's headquarters in New York City.
The infrastructure bill's passage marks a significant step towards promoting clean energy and electric vehicles in the U.S. However, the debate surrounding the Biden administration's plan to restore and surpass Obama-era tailpipe emissions rules highlights the challenges in achieving a swift transition to a low-carbon economy. As the energy sector continues to grow, so do the complexities and controversies surrounding its development.
