President Joe Biden delivered his final State of the Union address before the 2024 presidential election on Thursday, in which he highlighted his administration’s achievements and challenges, as well as his vision for the future of the country. Among the topics he addressed, Biden praised the United Auto Workers (UAW) union for its role in the recovery and growth of the American auto industry, but avoided mentioning the controversial issue of electric vehicles (EVs), which has created tensions between his administration, the automakers, and the workers.
Biden Honors UAW President as Special Guest
One of the special guests who joined First Lady Jill Biden in the House gallery to watch the President’s speech was UAW President Shawn Fain, who has been leading the union since 2022. Biden recognized Fain as a “friend and ally” who has been fighting for the rights and interests of the auto workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis. Biden also recalled how he joined Fain and other UAW members in a picket line in Detroit last year, during the six-week strike against the Detroit-Three automakers, which resulted in a historic contract that secured higher wages, better benefits, and more job security for the workers.
Biden also credited Fain and the UAW for their support of his administration’s policies and initiatives, such as the American Rescue Plan, the American Jobs Plan, and the Buy American Act, which aim to boost the economy, create jobs, and invest in infrastructure and innovation. Biden said that thanks to the UAW and other unions, the American auto industry is “back on track” and “leading the world” in terms of quality, safety, and competitiveness. Biden also expressed his gratitude to the UAW for endorsing his reelection bid, despite the initial hesitation and delay from Fain, who said he wanted to focus on other priorities, such as organizing more auto plants and expanding the union’s membership.
Biden Skips EVs in State of the Union Address
While Biden praised the UAW and the auto industry, he did not mention the issue of electric vehicles (EVs), which has been a source of conflict and controversy between his administration, the automakers, and the workers. The White House has made EVs a key component of its strategy to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and has proposed several measures and incentives to accelerate the transition from gas-powered vehicles to electric ones. However, these measures and incentives have faced opposition and criticism from various stakeholders, who argue that they are too aggressive, unrealistic, or unfair.
One of the main points of contention is the administration’s emission standards, which would require automakers to increase the share of EVs in their sales to 50% by 2030, and to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035. The automakers have said that these targets are too ambitious and impractical, given the current state of the market, the technology, and the infrastructure. They have also said that these targets would hurt their profitability and competitiveness, and force them to make drastic changes in their production and business models. The workers have also expressed their concerns about the impact of the transition to EVs on their jobs and livelihoods, as EVs require fewer parts and less labor to produce than gas-powered vehicles. They have also demanded that the administration ensure that the EV plants and the battery factories are unionized, and that the workers have a say in the decision-making process.
Biden’s silence on EVs in his State of the Union address may indicate that he is aware of the sensitivity and complexity of the issue, and that he does not want to alienate or antagonize any of the parties involved. However, it may also suggest that he does not have a clear or convincing plan to address the issue, and that he is avoiding the confrontation and the criticism that it may entail. Biden’s omission of EVs in his speech may also disappoint or frustrate some of his supporters and allies, who expect him to take a strong and decisive stance on the issue, and to show leadership and vision in advancing the cause of clean and sustainable transportation.
President Joe Biden delivered his final State of the Union address before the 2024 presidential election on Thursday, in which he highlighted his administration’s achievements and challenges, as well as his vision for the future of the country. Among the topics he addressed, Biden praised the United Auto Workers (UAW) union for its role in the recovery and growth of the American auto industry, but avoided mentioning the controversial issue of electric vehicles (EVs), which has created tensions between his administration, the automakers, and the workers. Biden honored UAW President Shawn Fain as a special guest, and credited him and the union for their support of his policies and initiatives, such as the American Rescue Plan, the American Jobs Plan, and the Buy American Act. Biden also expressed his gratitude to the UAW for endorsing his reelection bid, despite the initial hesitation and delay from Fain. However, Biden did not mention the issue of EVs, which has been a source of conflict and controversy between his administration, the automakers, and the workers. The White House has made EVs a key component of its strategy to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and has proposed several measures and incentives to accelerate the transition from gas-powered vehicles to electric ones. However, these measures and incentives have faced opposition and criticism from various stakeholders, who argue that they are too aggressive, unrealistic, or unfair. Biden’s silence on EVs in his State of the Union address may indicate that he is aware of the sensitivity and complexity of the issue, and that he does not want to alienate or antagonize any of the parties involved. However, it may also suggest that he does not have a clear or convincing plan to address the issue, and that he is avoiding the confrontation and the criticism that it may entail.