Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is standing up for electric vehicles (EVs) amid criticism, particularly from former President Donald Trump.
During an interview with The Associated Press, Beshear highlighted the significant job growth and investments in the EV sector as key factors that will overcome any challenges critics may point to.
LOUISVILLE, KY - APRIL 12: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addresses the media during a press conference at University of Louisville Cardinal Stadium on April 12, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. Monday marked the opening day for the new vaccination site, which contains 28 lanes for drive-up appointments. In conjunction with the Beshear administration and University of Louisville Health, the site is staffed by volunteers from UofL Health, AmeriCorps, the Kentucky National Guard, the University of Louisville School of Medicine and other community members. (Photo : Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's Support for EVs
Andy Beshear underscored the thousands of jobs emerging nationwide, including in rural areas, as evidence of the sector's vitality. He cited the importance of prioritizing job creation over political debates, emphasizing the tangible economic benefits of embracing EV technology.
Beshear also underscored the significance of job creation over ongoing political debates. The emerging EV sector in Kentucky has substantially influenced the state's robust economic growth.
Since mid-2020, companies involved in EV-related initiatives have announced investments nearing $12 billion, poised to create over 10,200 full-time positions.
Notably, the state is witnessing the construction of its largest-ever economic development project, focused on producing batteries for future Ford and Lincoln EVs. The governor dismissed the barrage of anti-EV attacks from Donald Trump and others as attempts to sow division among people.
According to Beshear, resisting change has historically proven futile, and transitioning to EVs is inevitable. He noted that the only question remaining was the speed at which this evolution or revolution in transportation would occur.
The rise of EVs has taken center stage in this year's presidential campaign. President Joe Biden champions EVs as a crucial element of his clean-energy platform.
On the other hand, Trump criticized Biden's advocacy for EVs, labeling it as a "radical plan" indicative of government overreach. Republican allies in the petroleum sector have also invested millions in advertisements claiming that Biden's tax credit for EV buyers will compromise Americans' freedom.
Beshear said that criticisms would not hinder Kentucky's EV sector. Despite facing Trump-endorsed candidates in Kentucky's GOP-leaning political landscape, the Democratic governor emerged victorious twice in the race.
Beshear noted that the EV industry is already growing, and Kentucky is poised to be a leader in this evolution, bringing a significant number of jobs.
Regardless of the outcome of the presidential election, Beshear believes that the EV sector will continue to thrive, generating numerous job opportunities and substantial investments. Beshear recently announced a third round of awards to private developers in Kentucky to build federally funded EV charging stations.
The state has approved 42 charging stations from 11 developers, strategically placed every 50 miles along interstates and parkways to ensure convenient access. Beshear expressed optimism about the future of EVs, even with concerns over charging accessibility and pricing and political opposition.
He highlighted the potential of EV availability to alleviate motorists' anxieties about fluctuating gas prices and the importance of these initiatives in shaping a more sustainable transportation landscape.
