David Wade, former chief of staff to John Kerry’s Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change, was involved in the American Security Project (ASP) in the intricate tapestry of climate change and national security.
This Washington, D.C.-based group considers climate change a critical national security threat and actively advocates for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
On Friday, December 15, 2023, Fox News highlighted David Wade’s association with ASP.
As a board member, he contributes to the group’s mission of addressing climate change through the lens of national security.
Simultaneously, his clean energy consulting firm, Greenlight Strategies LLC, received $11,000 from ASP for a project facilitating bipartisan discussions on climate change threats under his LLC.
The group highlights the impact of climate change on global food supplies and farming, even within the United States.
At the core of ASP’s strategy is a robust endorsement of the transition to electric vehicles.
Citing national security concerns, the group contends that reducing dependence on foreign oil and gas through widespread EV adoption strengthens U.S. security.
A fact sheet released by ASP in the previous year emphasized the pivotal role of transportation, responsible for 29% of national greenhouse gas emissions, in achieving net-zero climate goals.
The Joe Biden administration’s alignment with ASP’s goals is evident, as underscored by White House spokesperson Andrew Bates.
President Biden’s commitment to tackling climate change as a national security threat resonates with the broader political spectrum, including former Donald Trump Administration Secretary of Defense James Mattis.
The administration’s ambitious goal of making 50% of domestic vehicle purchases electric by 2030 reflects a proactive stance on addressing climate concerns.
Examining the regulatory landscape, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized stringent clean air standards for heavy-duty trucks in December 2022.
The subsequent proposal for aggressive tailpipe emissions rules on various vehicle categories signals a concerted effort to accelerate the adoption of electric alternatives.
However, these regulations have faced criticism, with concerns raised about potential impacts on consumer costs.
Despite substantial government incentives, the electric vehicle industry grapples with challenges.
Rising manufacturing costs and consumer reluctance to transition from traditional gas-powered vehicles pose significant hurdles.
A Texas Public Policy Foundation report suggests that the federal government is subsidizing EVs to a greater extent than other renewable energy sources, raising questions about the sustainability of such efforts.
While the government pursues ambitious goals and regulatory frameworks, addressing the challenges faced by the electric vehicle industry and fostering a market-driven approach becomes imperative.
