President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act has sparked a surge in green infrastructure projects across America. Toyota's investment in a new electric vehicle plant in North Carolina is discussed. The debate between economists and politicians on place-based policies and incentives is explored. The effectiveness of the Industrial Revival Act is analyzed. Shifting dynamics of dating and the industrial transformation of Stanton, Tennessee are also covered in the podcast.
The Biden administration's investments in green infrastructure have led to a surge in manufacturing construction, creating jobs and spurring economic growth in small towns across America.
While the industrial revival is generating excitement, concerns remain about the sustainability of the investments, including the balance between clean energy objectives and consumer demand, the impact of protectionist policies, and the competitiveness of the EV industry.
Deep dives
Investment in Green Infrastructure and Industry
In August 2022, Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, promising $370 billion of government funds for green infrastructure and industry. This includes tax credits for Americans on solar panels and electric vehicles made in the country. Investments like Toyota's new EV plant in North Carolina, with a total investment of $13.9 billion by 2030 creating 5,000 jobs, demonstrate the surge in manufacturing construction across the country.
The Industrial Revival and Local Impact
The Biden administration's policy objectives aim to transform US manufacturing, particularly in America's southern states. Mayor Rick Walker of De Soto, Kansas, highlights how the expansion of a Panasonic battery factory is positively impacting the area, attracting high-paying jobs and spurring economic growth. Investment in areas like Stanton, Tennessee, where Ford is building an EV plant and battery factory, is set to transform struggling communities and alleviate poverty.
Challenges and Questions Surrounding the Industrial Strategy
While the Biden administration's investments in manufacturing have generated excitement, concerns remain. The push for clean energy and high-paying jobs needs to be balanced with final consumer demand for electric vehicles and battery products. Skepticism also arises around protectionist policies and potential global subsidy races. Additionally, the competitiveness of the EV industry and the impact of unionization on wages and costs raise questions about the sustainability of these investments.
The Road Trip and the Future of American Industrial Landscape
The road trip across America showcased the tangible changes happening on the ground as a result of the Biden administration's industrial policy. Mayors, community members, and factory workers expressed mixed opinions on the impact of the policy, highlighting issues such as infrastructure, population growth, housing availability, and long-term community revitalization. The success of these investments ultimately depends on factors like final consumer demand, job creation, competitiveness, and the ability to sustain economic growth in the long term.
President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act promised $370bn for green infrastructure and industry. It has spurred a surge in massive construction efforts such as battery plants and electric-vehicle factories. Our correspondent goes on a road trip, visiting small towns with big new projects under way and gauging the success of Mr Biden’s economic policy so far.
Hosts: Alice Fulwood, Tom Lee-Devlin and Henry Tricks
Runtime: 44 min
This is a free episode of Money Talks. To listen every week, sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode