The outgoing transportation secretary discusses electric vehicles (EVs), robotaxis, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and the work that remains to be done.
The outlook for electric vehicles looks shaky. Sales are increasing for most companies except for Tesla, but with Donald Trump vowing to eliminate generous subsidies and tax credits initiated by the Biden administration, that momentum may falter. Trump is also preparing to unleash tariffs on foreign imports, including auto supplies, and is expected to relax tailpipe emission rules that could further hinder EV sales and allow car companies to market more polluting vehicles.
Amid these challenges, Pete Buttigieg, who managed much of Biden’s EV policies, aims to finish strong by approving as much funding as possible from the administration’s two significant laws, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the climate-focused Inflation Reduction Act, before Trump can retract these initiatives.
He remains hopeful that Republican lawmakers, especially those who have benefited from the administration’s investments in EVs and clean energy, will resist Trump’s attempts to dismantle his predecessor’s achievements.
“For every conservative legislator publicly threatening to reverse our work, there are two or three who seem to be trying to take credit for it,” he stated in an exit interview with The Verge. “As long as that ratio remains, I believe our work will endure.”
Nonetheless, the impending election results and forthcoming transition weigh heavily on Buttigieg, who appeared more somber than in his earlier interviews with The Verge. He reflected on unfulfilled goals during his tenure and shared his aspirations for the future.
Donald Trump has vowed to end the “EV mandate” on day one. Which of your policies do you consider most at risk, and which are likely to survive over the next four years?
“I’m not particularly worried about an EV mandate since none exists, but I am concerned he may take actions that make EVs less affordable for American consumers. That would be unfortunate. The measures we’ve taken to reduce EV costs contribute to the job growth in the industrial Midwest, areas like my hometown, which are experiencing significant growth in the auto industry not seen since the 1960s. This needs to be maintained, especially with the intense competition from China, which is leveraging every tool available to gain an advantage over us. We cannot afford to let that happen.”
“The most effective short-term strategy has been the tax credits that have made EVs more affordable. Looking ahead, the critical factor will be the charging network. While 80 percent of EV charging occurs at home, the remaining 20 percent is vital, and most of the projects we initiated will be operational by 2027.”
Considering that EVs are likely to become pricier in the coming years, how should the auto industry adapt to the removal of these incentives, and how do you anticipate consumers will respond?
“Despite some media narratives, more Americans are choosing EVs every year. I believe this trend will continue, even with potential policy shifts, due to the advantages in total cost of ownership. Vehicles with fewer moving parts and lower fueling costs will ultimately lead the market in that direction.”
“It’s crucial to support a “Made in America” EV industry, and I have concerns about that. OEMs will make decisions based on the prevailing policy environment. They’ve committed to strategies that they can’t easily reverse, but they will adjust their approaches based on market conditions, which is perfectly normal for businesses.”
What threats do you perceive for the climate from a transportation standpoint, especially with an incoming administration that rejects established climate science and seems poised to enact policies that could exacerbate climate issues?
“The climate will continue to change, indifferent to public opinion. We need to adapt and mitigate further damage. The difference between administrations prioritizing climate action versus those that do not is significant.”
“From my experience as a mayor, when cities that contribute significantly to global GDP unite and say, ‘We’re not going to wait for our national governments; we will take action ourselves,’ initiatives like the C40, which led to the climate mayors, emerged. I have confidence that state and local efforts will persist, with new stakeholders, including from red states, recognizing the importance of a thriving auto industry in the country.”
Have any lawmakers from the so-called Battery Belt, like Tennessee and Kentucky, expressed confidence about pushback against policy reversals?
“Often, it’s revealed more in what they don’t say than what they do. Leaders in states like Georgia and Indiana have chosen not to align with anti-EV sentiment, likely because governors enjoy inaugurating projects that create quality jobs in manufacturing. This is what we have achieved, and I believe there will be attempts to claim credit for these advancements, which is fine as long as it happens.”
Was the political divide over EVs during the presidential campaign unavoidable, or could more have been done to counter it?
“We did all we could to emphasize that EV adoption should transcend party lines. In the context of global competition, especially with a nation like China, there’s nothing to gain from clinging to outdated technologies or insisting that past solutions will suffice in the present without modernization. I’ve never seen a country succeed by solely looking backward.”
“As evidenced in our time, everything from public health to transportation policy can become politicized. However, I trust the market will ultimately guide us toward a positive direction. China, despite its reluctance towards environmental protections, is pursuing EVs for strategic economic reasons. We must not fall behind in our economic strategy; this is a shared concern across party lines.”
The Trump administration is reportedly considering canceling the general order on autonomous vehicle and advanced driver-assist crash reporting. What would we lose if this transparency is removed, and we lack insight into these incidents?
“To put it plainly, undermining a safety initiative is not advisable. While I’ve seen various reports on this, the actual outcome remains uncertain. However, ensuring we have robust data on the safety of new technologies entering our roadways is crucial. This is not because I oppose innovation; on the contrary, I believe in its life-saving potential and the necessity of a responsible rollout in our country.”
Trump’s relationship with Elon Musk raises concerns, particularly regarding Musk’s conflicts and ties to the government. What worries you about having someone like Musk close to power?
“Given the influence of federal agencies like the USDOT, which holds immense responsibility for public safety, it is essential that this power is exercised fairly and objectively. We have maintained this standard by being impartial in our decisions, even if it meant recognizing a company’s achievements in one area while launching enforcement actions against them for violations in another. It’s crucial to uphold this balance, and I hope there will be sufficient public and congressional oversight to ensure it continues, regardless of who is in power.”
Do you believe the Biden administration could have approached Musk more strategically, considering his support for Trump and the significant role Tesla plays in the EV market?
“It’s hard to say in hindsight. Many stakeholders in this industry, despite its technical and economic nature, are driven by emotions. It’s important to acknowledge that aspect.”
I also wanted to discuss the ARPA project with infrastructure. How do you envision its progression under the next administration? Will there still be support for innovative infrastructure projects?
“I remain hopeful. The potential is enormous. Many transportation technologies have seen little change since Roman times, yet we are on the cusp of breakthroughs like self-healing bridge materials and advanced concrete. These could materialize within my lifetime. Given their potential economic impact, we should continue investing modest amounts to realize these trillion-dollar ideas. I hope this remains a bipartisan effort.”
A common critique of the Inflation Reduction Act is that it allocates substantial funds to incentivize cars but insufficiently promotes walking and biking. Recently, a $45 million announcement for active transportation was made, but compared to the billions for EVs, it appears minimal. Was this the right balance, or should more have been done?
“This perspective would hold true if we viewed the IRA in isolation. However, the infrastructure bill also serves as a climate initiative. Many projects aimed at enhancing transit and redesigning highways will play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions, just as much as the IRA’s provisions for EVs do.”
How do you feel seeing the policies you championed and invested significant political capital in now facing potential rollback or threat?
“I can’t predict future outcomes, but I am confident that the policies we enacted were sound and beneficial. A compelling indicator of this is that for every conservative lawmaker threatening to reverse our initiatives, there are several attempting to take credit for them. This suggests that our work will likely endure.”
For those worried about impending changes in transportation and climate policy, is there any hope, or are we doomed?
“As a federal official, I’ve often felt frustrated by the limitations of federal influence compared to the power held at state and local levels. Moving forward, I may revert to my mayoral mindset, recognizing how much of our progress comes from local actions. Many policies are inherently sound and will persist regardless of the political landscape, even if the next administration prioritizes issues less aligned with climate change, labor support, or social equity.”
Lastly, if given another four years in this role, what would you have liked to achieve?
“I recently launched our Project Delivery Acceleration Council. While it may seem unusual to initiate such an effort on my way out, I emphasized to the team that their work will be critical for the next administration, ensuring we focus on efficient project delivery. While securing funding is essential, enhancing efficiency is equally important to maximize taxpayer value.”
“As we approach the second half of this decade, with many projects entering construction, I wish to remain involved in this process. The infrastructure law, a five-year initiative, is nearing the end of its term, and future negotiations will be vital to integrate lessons learned from the initial bill. Additionally, I believe the most pressing unfinished business concerns rail safety legislation, which deserves bipartisan support and a vote. If the next administration advances this legislation, I will wholeheartedly support it, as it is the right course of action.”
