President Biden is a joke!
President Biden invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) on Friday, allocating $169 million in taxpayer funds to propel the development of electric heat pumps, presenting an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered residential furnaces. In a joint announcement by the White House and the Department of Energy (DOE), the move underscores a strategic effort to bolster domestic production of green energy technologies, with a focus on job creation and strengthening America’s energy supply chain. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm highlighted the potential benefits of expanding the availability of American-made electric heat pumps, emphasizing cost savings and improved indoor air quality through locally developed clean energy technologies.
The “historic” allocation of $169 million will be distributed among major corporations, including Copeland, Honeywell International, Mitsubishi Electric, and York International Corporation. John Podesta, the White House clean energy czar, asserted that these funds underscore President Biden’s acknowledgment of climate change as an urgent concern. National climate adviser Ali Zaidi stated that the president is leveraging emergency powers from wartime legislation to expedite U.S. manufacturing of clean technologies and enhance energy security.
However, the initiative has not escaped criticism. Ben Lieberman from the Competitive Enterprise Institute characterized it as “shameful corporate welfare,” advocating for consumer autonomy in making energy choices. This decision follows recent DOE regulations targeting traditional gas-powered furnaces, mandating a higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 95% by 2028.
Karen Harbert, President and CEO of the American Gas Association, expressed disappointment, contending that the Defense Production Act is being misused for policies conflicting with the nation’s energy stance. She highlighted the role of natural gas in reducing CO2 emissions and bolstering energy system resilience.
The broader DOE efforts encompass new standards for various appliances, including gas stoves, clothes washers, refrigerators, and air conditioners. According to the DOE, these regulations are projected to save Americans $570 billion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 2.4 billion metric tons over the next 30 years.