Jackson Purchase News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the Biden Administration's climate agenda, stating that it has adversely affected affordable American energy and consumer choice. McConnell highlighted the slashing of domestic energy reserves, resulting in soaring gas and heating oil prices, and the introduction of burdensome regulations by unelected bureaucrats.

McConnell also criticized Special Climate Envoy John Kerry's approach to climate goals during his visit to China. He accused Kerry of treating climate goals as a separate issue from major strategic competition, while China saw it differently. McConnell quoted Chinese Chairman Xi, who publicly stated that China had no plans to reduce its carbon emissions for at least another seven years.

The Republican leader further pointed out Governor of California's visit to Beijing, where he pledged California's partnership with China regardless of national decisions. McConnell expressed concern over the reliance of coastal liberals on China for the supply chains of their favorite green products, such as electric vehicles.

He revealed that a significant portion of the components required for electric vehicle production, including 75% of lithium batteries and 70% of cathodes and anodes, come from China. Additionally, China controls more than 50% of the processing and refining capacity for critical minerals like cobalt. McConnell stated that the United States is significantly behind in these areas.

Furthermore, McConnell criticized the Biden Administration for waiving "Buy American" requirements for materials used to make electric vehicle chargers, making it even more challenging to bring critical supply chains back to the United States. He accused the Administration of being desperate to push its radical climate agenda, even if it means enriching China, America's biggest strategic adversary.

However, McConnell highlighted a recent bipartisan victory in the Senate. With the leadership of Senator Rubio, a majority voted to block the Biden Administration's waiver policy using the Congressional Review Act. This move demonstrates that the President's climate agenda is too radical for some members of his own party.

In conclusion, the Biden Administration's climate agenda has faced criticism for its impact on affordable American energy and consumer choice. The approach to climate goals, including treating them separately from strategic competition, has drawn concerns from Republican leaders like Mitch McConnell. The reliance on China for critical supply chains and the waiver of "Buy American" requirements have also raised eyebrows. The recent vote in the Senate indicates that some members of the President's own party have reservations about the radical nature of his climate agenda.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=BD81436F-7E03-44CF-ACD4-84665EF2F697