US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster have been actively promoting clean energy, investment, and economic ties in their respective states.
Yellen and Cooper recently visited the Livent plant in Bessemer City, Gaston County, to discuss the investment needed for the electric vehicle industry and promote clean energy. Yellen emphasized the benefits of long-term investment in clean energy and manufacturing, stating that it would boost optimism about the US economy. Cooper and Yellen expressed support for responsible lithium mining in the area, highlighting the importance of environmental controls. The visit showcased Gaston County's role in the electric vehicle industry, with the nation's largest lithium hydroxide processing plant and plans for a new lithium mine and processing plant. Yellen mentioned the emergence of a 'battery belt' across the Midwest and South, which would enhance US energy security and reduce dependence on China's EV battery supply chain [55593b9d].
Governor McMaster of South Carolina is also actively working to strengthen the state's economy. McMaster is traveling to Germany to strengthen the business ties that have fueled the state's economic boom. South Carolina ranks second in the US for foreign companies with operations in the state, and Germany has the largest presence in South Carolina of any country, with 262 facilities employing about 44,000 people. McMaster plans to visit the headquarters of BMW and Volkswagen, two major automakers with significant investments in South Carolina. He will also meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the country's finance minister. McMaster's visit aims to further strengthen the economic ties between South Carolina and Germany [7896c3cb] [1367978e] [b43c4f8b].
In addition to promoting clean energy and investment, Governor Cooper has also been focusing on highlighting the state's strong STEM education programs and skilled workforce. He recently visited Greensboro to emphasize the importance of STEM education. Joined by NASA astronaut and North Carolina native Christina Cook, the visit took place at North Carolina A&T State University in the Harold L. Martin Sr. Engineering Research and Innovation Complex. The governor's visit aimed to showcase the state's commitment to STEM education and its efforts to develop a skilled workforce [1d0580b5].
These efforts by Yellen, Cooper, and McMaster align with the Biden administration's and the respective governors' goals of rebuilding US manufacturing, shifting to climate-friendly energy, and bringing jobs to underserved and rural areas. They also highlight the importance of responsible lithium mining and the role it plays in supporting the electric vehicle industry. Furthermore, McMaster's visit to Germany underscores the significance of international business relationships in driving economic growth and job creation [036cffde] [dae4677f].
Despite the positive economic growth and investments in clean energy, President Biden faces challenges in winning voter confidence due to post-pandemic inflation and higher living costs. Voters still perceive higher prices and may hold the president accountable for them [b2efe3e3].
Kirsten Hillman, Canadian Ambassador to the United States, recently discussed the Canada-South Carolina relationship and the strong economic and personal ties between the two. She highlighted the strategic nature of the partnership, particularly in areas such as advanced manufacturing and technology. Hillman mentioned significant Canadian investments in South Carolina, including in forestry, solar manufacturing, semiconductor and battery supply chains, and automotive and automotive parts. She also emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in strengthening trade between the two countries. Hillman expressed the need for fair, open, transparent, and predictable rules to maximize trade and investment. She acknowledged the challenges posed by the pandemic and the importance of resilient supply chains. Hillman also discussed Canada's efforts to strengthen its defense system and protect its territorial sovereignty. In terms of politics, she acknowledged the rise of far-right rhetoric and policies and the need for democracies to stand together and protect each other. Hillman concluded by highlighting the deep and longstanding friendship and alliance between Canada and the United States [ee0ee562].
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is visiting Germany to strengthen the state's economic ties with German companies. McMaster will give a keynote speech at the TDI conference and participate in a panel discussion. South Carolina ranks second in the US in a population-adjusted index that tracks foreign companies with operations in the country. Germany has the largest presence in South Carolina, with 262 facilities employing about 44,000 people. McMaster plans to visit the headquarters of BMW and Volkswagen, two major automakers with significant investments in South Carolina. He will also meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the country's finance minister. McMaster's visit aims to further enhance the economic relationship between South Carolina and Germany [b43c4f8b].
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham is celebrating the announcement that South Carolina will receive $45 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA)’s Tech Hubs Program. The fund was awarded to the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy to improve and expand the production of critical technologies, create jobs in innovative industries, and strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. The official request was submitted by the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Governor McMaster and Congressman Clyburn were acknowledged for their efforts in advocating for the state [b1cd111d].