Press Releases

Representative Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-Ga.), along with Representatives Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) and Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tn.) are encouraging LG Chem and SK Innovation to "find a workable, amicable and accountable resolution" to their electric vehicle battery trade dispute. A letter was sent in light of the U.S. ITC having determined today to extend the target date for completion of the investigation to February 10, 2021.

The letter notes that through their considerable foreign direct investments throughout the United States, both "LG Chem and SK Innovation have contributed significantly to U.S. economic growth, high wage job creation, and green technology development as well as local community impact." It also further points out that "a potential adverse ruling to either of the two companies by the ITC will have a known negative impact on the U.S. economy and an adverse effect on the public interest."

"In Georgia, SK has invested $2.58 billion in battery facilities that will employ more than 2,500 Georgians. In Michigan, Ford seeks to utilize SK Innovation’s EV batteries for its iconic F-Series electric pickup trucks to be produced in Dearborn. A disruption in their EV battery supply would only serve to harm the U.S. workers on those assembly and production lines and further delay introduction of its model line. Like Ford, Volkswagen is planning to use SK Innovation’s batteries for use in its new ID.4 Battery Electric Vehicle that goes on sale in 2022. Volkswagen invested $800 million in a new production line for this vehicle, and a disruption would harm thousands of U.S. workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and dealers across the country," the letter read.

The members conclude by highlighting that a resolution will not only be in the two companies' mutual best interest, "it will be in the best interest of a stronger U.S. economy and cutting edge EV battery manufacturing that will be the envy of the world."

Read the full letter here.