Third Way Says New Executive Order Will Help Establish a Pragmatic, Ambitious Path Forward for American Industrial Policy

Josh Freed: This is what American industrial policy should look like, pragmatic, ambitious, and ensuring the Administration’s commitment to equity and environmental justice.”

WASHINGTON—Third Way Released the following statement from Josh Freed, Senior Vice President for Third Way’s Climate and Energy Program.

“Yesterday afternoon, President Biden signed an Executive Order that will make smarter use of federal spending to advance America’s national interests. By directing federal agencies to purchase cleaner and more efficient products and technologies, the Biden Administration is helping to fast-track growth in strategic industries where the US must stay competitive, like automobiles, steel, and power generation. Additionally, the goals outlined in the Biden-Harris Administration’s EO will reap clean energy rewards, as well as jobs all across the country. Not only will agencies purchase 100% carbon-free power by 2030, but they will also have to get half of that electricity from the regions where it will be used. This will spur investment in clean power and modern grid infrastructure across the US, building upon the major legislative efforts the President and Democrats in Congress have been working on over the last several months.

“Global demand in these markets is shifting toward low-carbon options. With the federal government as an early customer, American businesses and workers can shift faster. China and other global competitors, have already seen the advantages of these types of strategic investments, and are realizing the benefits. It’s time for America to do the same.

“President Biden has pledged to boldly address climate change, and ensure that the solutions benefit everyday Americans. This executive order, along with the Build Back Better Act and recently-passed infrastructure package, makes it clear that he intends to take advantage of every opportunity along the way to put American workers and businesses ahead of the curve and in the lead in a low-carbon economy. This is what American industrial policy should look like, pragmatic, ambitious, and ensuring the Administration’s commitment to equity.”