Would a Push to “Buy American” Kill the Electric Car and Clean Energy?
A controversial “Buy American” clause under consideration for the economic stimulus bill could trigger a trade war, President Barack Obama said earlier this week. Yesterday, steel-state lawmakers threatened to pull support for the package unless the clause — which would require public works projects receiving stimulus funds to use only American-made materials — stays in. Late Wednesday night, the Senate voted to dilute the clause, adding that it must be “applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements.” Since more than 50 countries have trade agreements with the U.S., there will be a whole lot of exceptions to the Buy American rule if the Senate bill ends up becoming law. In or out, the clause has added another dilemma to legislators’ already unenviable challenge (devise a plan to simultaneously jumpstart the U.S. economy, cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce demand for oil imports): What does it mean to buy American? Take solar power pla
