Hill Heat

Mighty Earth and The Sunrise Project host a media webinar which will explain the importance of addressing the climate and human rights impacts across auto supply chains and the likely impact the industry could have on curbing emissions.

Many of the big manufacturers are heavily promoting their electric vehicles (EVs), but green motoring means more than just going electric. New analysis for the industry evaluates 18 of the world’s leading automakers on their efforts to eliminate emissions, environmental harm, and human rights violations from their supply chains. It found that although several big brands are sourcing fossil-free aluminum and steel, over half have shown no progress on steel, the biggest industrial metal climate culprit. Worryingly, two thirds have no commitment to Indigenous or First Nation rights in their supply chains for aluminum, steel and lithium for electric batteries.

This timely online media event will explain the importance of addressing the climate and human rights impacts across auto supply chains and the likely impact the industry could have in curbing emissions. The webinar is geared towards both specialist and non-specialist media; panelists will explain the broader impact the auto industry could have on driving down global emissions if all components in the auto supply chain were sourced and manufactured sustainably.

In the second half of the session, panelists will take questions from the media. All discussions will be on the record.

Panelists:

• Jim Wormington, Human Rights Watch
• Kate R. Finn, First Peoples Worldwide
• Glenn Hurowitz, Mighty Earth
• Chris Alford, The Sunrise Project
• Laura Murphy, Sheffield Hallam University

Climate change, rapid advances in technology and the drive for innovation are leading to a big shift in the world of automobiles.

The Biden Administration has set a target that by 2030, half of new passenger vehicle sales will be zero-emissions, making electric vehicles a norm rather than an exception. And smart, autonomous vehicles powered by AI could further transform driving culture.

As batteries, chips and electric charging stations become more vital, how can we design an infrastructure framework with sustainability in mind? What new skills will the workforce need to develop? How do we make electric vehicles affordable and accessible to all drivers? And can autonomous vehicles pave the way to safer roads?

RSVP

Speakers:

• Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), Commerce, Science & Transportation Subcmte. on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports
• Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), Republican Leader, Energy & Commerce Subcmte. on Communications & Technology
• Everette Bacon, Member, Board of Directors, National Federation of the Blind
• Marc Bedard, CEO, Lion Electric
• Cathy Chase, President, Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety
• Eric Danko, Director, Federal Affairs, Cruise
• Toks Omishakin, Director, California Department of Transportation
• Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer, State of Michigan
• Jessika Trancik, Professor, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Cathy Zoi, CEO, EVgo

Hearing page

Witnesses

• David Strickland, Vice President, Global Regulatory Affairs, General Motors, Washington, D.C.
• Lincoln Wood, Electrification Policy Manager, Southern Company, Atlanta, GA
• Matthew Laughridge, President and Managing Partner, Terry Reid Automotive Group, Cartersville, GA on behalf of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)
• Trevor Walter, Vice President of Petroleum Supply Management, Sheetz, Inc., on behalf of National Association of Convenience Stores, Altoona, PA
• Geoff Cooper, President & Chief Executive Officer, Renewable Fuels Association, Ellisville, MO
• Josh Nassar, Legislative Director, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Washington, D.C. Republican witness:
• Mark Mills, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute, Chevy Chase, MD