Democrats Green Narrative Blown Out Of Water By Investigation Into Supplier
(TruthandLiberty.com) – Over the last 18 months, President Joe Biden has made a strong push to transition the US economy from fossil fuels to renewable energies. In 2019, then-Democratic candidate Joe Biden promised to eradicate fossil fuels, and in early 2021, the newly inaugurated president moved swiftly to begin the process. As gas prices continue to rise to historic levels, the president contends now is the perfect time to convert to electric vehicles (EV), but there could be other problems on the horizon for the president’s renewable energy objectives.
Recently, Biden signed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which went into effect on Tuesday, June 21. It bans products made from Xinjiang, China, known to use forced labor. Now, the law could halt EV production over supply chain issues and threaten Biden’s green energy agenda.
Evidence of Forced Labor in China Threatens US Supply Chains
On Monday, June 20, The New York Times revealed China’s forced labor could significantly impact the US renewable energy market alongside everyday items Americans purchase at the store. The Times noted China produces 75% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries. The communist country also processes nearly all the metals needed for the batteries. Interestingly, most raw materials come from Australia, Argentina, and Congo, although China is moving to find the materials inside its own country.
Xinjiang Nonferrous Metal Industry Group currently fills the supply chain with the necessary materials included in electric car batteries. Companies in Xinjiang are under heavy international scrutiny for using forced labor, and Xinjiang Nonferrous Metal Industry Group is no exception.
The newspaper says the massive mining company employs hundreds of Uyghurs as part of its forced labor programs to assemble the components necessary for electric car batteries. Still, China says that’s inaccurate, and the people are part of a work transfer program.
State Department Says Uyghurs Part of Forced Labor
On May 12, 2021, the US State Department reported Uyghur “transfer workers” were subjected to forced labor. On June 2, 2022, the government cited Chinese academic publications as saying the program served as a means to separate Uyghurs and negate the supposed harmful impacts of religion inside China.
If China uses forced labor in its supply chains, the US government will need to decide whether it will enforce US law, which would stop car batteries and their components from entering the United States. The Times noted potentially thousands of Chinese companies have a link to Xinjiang, prompting the need to stop numerous products at the US border from entering the country. The law has already impacted the clothing, food, and solar industries.
Representative Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY) told the Times the ban on supply chain goods using forced labor might cause prices to rise. That’s the consequence of China’s actions. Suozzi said America couldn’t do business with people who violate fundamental human rights.
This issue could increase energy prices if Biden doesn’t reverse some or all of his related policies. Americans will likely feel the impact in the coming months as the ban prevents vital components from making their way to US companies.
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