Fri Sep 20 12:17:15 UTC 2024: ## Biden Administration Invests $3 Billion in US Battery Production to Counter China’s Dominance

**Washington D.C.** – The Biden administration has announced a significant $3 billion investment in US battery manufacturing, aiming to reduce China’s hold on the global battery supply chain, a key sector for electric vehicles and other electronics. This funding, the second round of grants under the bipartisan infrastructure law, will support 25 projects across 14 states, creating thousands of jobs and bolstering domestic production of lithium, graphite, and other critical minerals.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by the administration to promote electric vehicles, combat climate change, and build a robust domestic battery manufacturing capacity. White House economic advisor Lael Brainard emphasized the importance of reducing China’s influence in this strategic sector, stating, “Today’s awards move us closer to achieving the administration’s goal of building an end-to-end supply chain for batteries and critical minerals here in America.”

This new funding brings the total US investment in domestic battery and critical mineral supply chains to nearly $35 billion. Projects range from lithium mining in Nevada and North Carolina to battery factories in Michigan and Ohio, and the production of rare earth elements and magnets in California and Texas.

The administration has been proactive in countering China’s dominance, including increasing tariffs on Chinese imports of critical minerals and leveraging private investment to bolster domestic production. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm echoed the administration’s commitment, stating, “We’re committed to making batteries in the United States of America.”

The 25 projects supported by the new grants are expected to create 8,000 construction jobs and 4,000 permanent positions. Companies receiving funds must match the grants on a 50-50 basis and invest at least $50 million. This investment aims to significantly strengthen the US position in the global battery market, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and contributing to a more sustainable future.

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