Dear Editor,
Sometimes what goes on in Washington seems otherworldly and that certainly seems the case now as Congress is considering a proposal that discriminates among American autoworkers. Specifically, at a time when the entire auto industry is investing in our shared, electrified future, recently proposed legislation would penalize auto workers in our county who will build these electric vehicles (EVs) for American consumers.
As a Honda associate who works at the Marysville Auto Plant, I’m deeply concerned about this deliberate effort to discriminate against non-union auto workers who build EVs. Honda, together with our entire industry, is moving rapidly to develop zero emission EVs. And there is broad agreement that consumer tax credits will be essential to drive the kind of widespread acceptance of EVs required to achieve our nation’s climate goals.
Unfortunately, a Congressional proposal would undercut consumer choices by providing an additional EV tax incentive to EVs made only by three legacy Detroit automakers, discounting the contributions autoworkers at some 15 other companies who build vehicles in America – including Honda associates who are your own friends and neighbors.
Currently, consumers can receive up to a $7,500 federal tax credit when purchasing an EV. Right now, Congress is considering providing an additional $4,500 bonus payment above the $7,500 that would go only to consumers buying EVs made with union labor. If it became law, only EVs made by the Detroit 3 – General Motors, Ford and Chrysler – would be eligible for the bonus credit. This proposal is unfair and does not treat all American auto workers equally, including many Honda associates who are part of the Union County community.
Furthermore, Honda is America’s most fuel-efficient, lowest-emissions full-line automaker, according to the EPA. Why would the Congress penalize workers who are already building the country’s cleanest vehicles?
I stand with our 20,000 Honda associates, in support of their right to earn a living and right to choose whether or not to join a union. As a community, we can’t be silent while our government debates a plan that would use our tax dollars to discriminate against the good men and women of Honda.
History has shown that federal policies that pick winners and losers tend to be, well losers. Companies need a level playing field to innovate and compete without the federal government choosing sides.
Washington policymakers should pass an EV tax credit that is fair to all hard-working Americans and that will unite industry efforts to address the climate crisis.
Paul Dentinger
Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, Marysville Auto Plant