Criticism mounts over Biden’s green energy plan amid China’s mineral dominance.

The Biden Administration’s Alternative Energy Push

The Biden administration has defended its alternative energy push as a way to counter the Chinese regime’s dominance in critical minerals. However, critics argue that the president’s own policies are undermining the U.S.’s pursuit of energy independence.

Recent weeks have shown President Biden attempting to galvanize international cooperation and protect domestic energy producers. This is part of a strategy that aims to “de-risk” the U.S.’s relationship with China, as noted by his advisor John Podesta. The United States is in a vulnerable position given China’s wealth of resources. The International Energy Agency (IEA) is looking to address this vulnerability by issuing guidelines to help nations avoid reliance on China for renewables, according to a June report from Nikkei Asia.

At home, the Biden administration has made dramatic investments in energy infrastructure and set goals like aiming for half of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030. However, it remains unclear whether these strategies will be enough to challenge China’s overwhelming dominance in critical minerals processing, mining, and utilization. These minerals play a vital role in supplying the clean energy agenda with key technology.

“We’re not doing anything to help ourselves,” former Trump White House advisor Steve Milloy told The Epoch Times. “Everything we’re doing is making the situation worse.” Milloy argues that the current wave of green regulations is making the U.S. cripplingly dependent on China and that Biden’s electric vehicle (EV) goals are impossible without Chinese resources.

The Dominance of China in the Clean Energy Market

The New York Times recently asked whether the world can “make an electric car battery without China” while highlighting China’s disproportionate share of necessary resources and processing capabilities for critical minerals. China not only dominates the ingredients but also the final products, with 54 percent of electric cars made in the country and 66 percent of the batteries.

China is rapidly outpacing the United States in the clean energy market, with a booming EV market set to see 6 million vehicle sales. In comparison, the United States is expected to see 1 million new EV sales, accounting for just 8.4 percent of the market.

Despite these challenges, the Biden administration remains confident in its push for clean energy. The administration’s investments aim to spur job growth, power 10 million EVs, and fuel over 160 new or expanded minerals, materials processing, and manufacturing facilities. However, it’s unclear how much the public will cooperate, as an Associated Press poll showed that only 4 in 10 adults were somewhat likely to purchase an EV for their next car.

Experts like Steve Milloy and Diana Furchtgott-Roth from the Heritage Foundation’s Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment warn about potential political difficulties in getting mining projects approved. They argue that China’s authoritarian regime and lack of environmental concerns give it an advantage over the United States.

Legislators are also concerned about Chinese industrial power and have pushed for reinstating tariffs on the solar industry. However, President Biden vetoed the bill, citing the need to avoid uncertainty for U.S. producers.

The Cost of Going Green

The Chinese regime’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 has placed it among other international powers declaring bold climate ambitions. However, doubts have been raised about China’s interest and ability to implement a climate-conscious agenda.

The IEA projects that China will lead clean energy development with 55 percent of the world’s capacity by 2024. Yet, it is also expected to see a record high in coal production. Globally, nations are expected to see alternative energy investments surpass those in fossil fuels, although global consumption is projected to hit a record high in 2022.

China’s transition to EVs may require additional coal-generated power, according to an ANZ Group analysis reported by Bloomberg. The success of the EV transition remains uncertain, but it is expected to substantially cut emissions. However, even with ambitious climate reforms like Biden’s, the United Nations (U.N.) believes the world is not acting quickly enough to achieve emissions reductions.

Critics argue that efforts like the Paris Agreement are doomed to fail and will cause significant financial harm. The United States, in particular, faces challenges as it is heavily indebted to China. The recent debt ceiling deal narrowed environmental reviews for the permitting process, but it’s unclear whether it’s enough to build the necessary infrastructure to free the nation from China’s dominance.

Members of Congress have considered options like renewables and nuclear energy. However, challenges remain in gaining approval for mining projects and addressing China’s authoritarian advantages. The path to achieving energy independence and countering China’s dominance in the clean energy market is complex and requires careful consideration.