Lawmakers argue over the future of electric cars

By Mike Lee | 08/01/2024 06:38 AM EDT

Despite the bipartisan nature of the hearing, some Republicans remained wary of government support for EVs.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) helped lead a bipartisan hearing Wednesday on electric vehicles. Francis Chung/POLITICO

A Senate hearing highlighted the differences inside the Republican Party over the future of electric vehicles and clean energy policy.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said he wants the U.S. to lead on EVs and pointed out that China is positioned to dominate the new industry.

“This is coming whether we like it or not, and I think there’s an upside to it, and there’s definitely a downside,” Graham said.

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But during the Senate Budget Committee hearing, other Republicans were less interested in seeing the government encourage EV adoption.

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