During Joe Biden’s Presidency, companies in the EV market committed to projects based on the then President’s plan to ensure half of the vehicles sold in the U.S. were EV’s by 2030 and offering incentives to reach that goal.
But on his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that eliminates “the electric vehicle mandate, and terminating, where appropriate, state emissions waivers that function to limit sales of gasoline-powered automobiles.”
During Biden’s term, BlueOval SK was awarded just over $9.5 billion in federal funds to build three battery plants, two of them here in Kentucky. When asked about the projects, Governor Andy Beshear said they are moving forward.
“The new administration can't change contracts even though, something to one of our cabinets saying that they believe that they could unilaterally change the terms of any existing contractor grant agreement,” Beshear said. “Trust me, that's not constitutional, or legal. EVs are the future. The Trump administration might impact the timing of how fast that future gets here, but a lot of people have tried to fight the future, and no one's ever won.”
Blue Oval SK spokesperson Mallory Cooke released a statement saying in part that the company would adapt as needed but they would continue to work with local, state and federal agencies to achieve their mission of electrification which she called “a key part of the future.” The two EV battery plants in Hardin County are slated to begin manufacturing this year.
