Why the West Needs to Secure Heavy Rare Earths for the Future of Advanced Manufacturing

The Zero Emission Transportation Association’s Executive Director, Albert Gore, issued the following statement in response to the passage of the Senate reconciliation package: 

“Today, the Senate took a sledgehammer to the domestic EV and battery supply chain that will be felt in communities around the country, particularly in the battery belt, the southwest, and the industrial midwest. There should be no doubt of the starkly negative impacts this bill will have on the future of American manufacturing. It will cost American jobs and close domestic factories, while increasing costs for consumers. In the process, it abandons the goal of making the United States globally competitive in future mineral, battery, and vehicle production markets while ceding that future to our competitors.

“As this package arrives in the House, we will continue to advocate for policies that will promote American automotive dominance and encourage Members of the House to address the key failings in this bill. The companies and workers that have built this supply chain will not waiver in their commitment to innovation and ingenuity, and neither will we.”

Zero Emission Transportation Association | https://www.zeta.org/

According to a report by Allied Market Research, the solar carport market was valued at $0.8 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $1.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2023 to 2032. A solar carport is a covered building that collects solar energy and serves as a shelter for automobiles. These buildings usually have a canopy-like roof that is fitted with solar panels so that light is drawn in and used to generate electricity. Solar carports have two advantages: they provide clean, renewable energy while shielding cars from the elements like sun, rain, and snow. By combining solar technology with parking infrastructure, land use efficiency is increased and sustainability in energy and mobility is encouraged. In addition, solar carports help to reduce carbon emissions and advance the transition to a more sustainable and greener future by offsetting the usage of fossil fuels for the production of power.

The solar carport market size is expanding due to the growing number of universities and other educational institutions adopting solar carports to become carbon neutral in the next years. Rutgers University, the biggest public university system in the U.S. y, made a commitment in June 2023 to improve campus sustainability by installing approximately 15 MW of solar carport canopy arrays this year. The institution, which covers more than 6,000 acres, would incorporate 16 solar-powered carport installations by DSD Renewables, a company in the renewables business, throughout its four main campuses and off-campus buildings. This would be in line with its 2021 Climate Action Plan, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. During the projected years, these activities are anticipated to enhance solar carport market share.

Leading Market Players: -

Antai Solar
Enerparc
Ganges International
Mahindra Solarize
Positive Energy Solar
Reenergy
Schletter
Himzen
Quest Renewables, INC.
Mahindra Solarize

The expansion of this solar carport industry is being driven by homeowners who own electric vehicles (EVs) and want to lower their carbon footprint, who are increasingly installing solar carports. Homeowners might use a solar carport to generate sustainable energy and provide shade and shelter for their cars at the same time. But, other uses, including government organisations committed to reducing their carbon footprint, also install solar carports to provide clean energy in addition to providing shade and security for their fleet of government vehicles. These elements are anticipated to support the segment’s expansion during the forecast period.

The growth of solar panel carport projects with capacities exceeding 1 MW is a significant driver for this segment. For example, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced a collaboration with DSD Renewables and Solar Optimum in April 2023 to install a new energy storage system and a 12.37-megawatt solar carport at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles.

On the other hand, increasing development of solar carports tailored for EV charging applications. In September 2022, Paired Power, based in California, introduced a solar carport with a capacity of 5 kW and integrated EV charging capabilities. The dimensions of this innovative 5 kW solar carport are 3.2 meters x 5.2 meters x 3.7 meters, accommodating up to ten bifacial solar panels. This solar canopy is versatile, capable of functioning in both on-grid and off-grid settings, and it can be paired with lithium-ion battery storage systems with capacities of up to 40 kWh.

Allied Market Research | https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/

Students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Energy and Sustainability Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) team toured and learned about Kauaʻi renewable energy landscape over spring break in March 2025. The group visited Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) at Port Allen Station and the AES Lawaʻi Solar Farm, gaining hands-on experience with the island’s grid and energy innovations.

“Visiting the KIUC facility and AES Lawaʻi PV system was an eye-opening experience,” said Kristine Locquiao, a UH Mānoa engineering student.

The students got a rare behind-the-scenes look at KIUC’s operations as they explored future energy strategies, battery storage technologies and the unique challenges of maintaining grid stability on an island.

Energy storage, grazing sheep

The team then visited AES Lawaʻi Solar Farm, where students learned how the site uses agrivoltaics—grazing sheep to manage vegetation beneath 64,800 solar panels—and a cutting-edge battery system to store excess solar energy, providing power even when the sun isn’t shining.

“Seeing firsthand how Kauaʻi is leading the way in renewable energy was inspiring,” Locquiao said. “This opportunity gave us valuable knowledge that will shape our future careers in engineering.”

Part of the broader campus-wide VIP program, the Energy and Sustainability team is made up of students and faculty across disciplines who collaborate on long-term sustainability projects.

University of Hawaiʻi | https://www.hawaii.edu/

The Senate has passed the latest reconciliation text, which maintained clean energy tax provisions of the Investment Reduction Act (IRA), while introducing shortsighted energy policy that fails to acknowledge the importance of domestic clean energy production and coordinated, long-term planning, effectively ceding AI innovation and global clean energy leadership to China. In response, Oceantic Network has released the following statement:  

“The Senate’s passed reconciliation legislation still does not adequately prioritize domestic energy production or protect Americans from increased prices and economic slowdown,” said Liz Burdock, president and CEO of Oceantic Network.  

“Limiting clean energy and manufacturing tax credits only compounds our national energy crisis, slowing development and ceding innovation leadership to China. In an era where a diverse, all-of-the-above energy strategy is widely acknowledged as the best path to address surging power demand and AI innovation, this legislation doesn’t do enough support American businesses bringing new, domestic power online today. 

“The Senate promised a course-correction but instead accepted a bill that still hampers needed energy generation, depresses job creation, and raises electricity prices for American consumers while only marginally improving the bill by removing some of the most problematic proposals. We urge the House against any reversions and to instead embrace expansive language that prioritizes American jobs, our nation’s economy, and our energy security, and accelerate domestic energy growth before it’s too late. Oceantic Network, its members—representing welders, engineers, mariners, and factory workers from 40 states—and thousands of hard-working Americans stand ready to power our country.”  

Oceantic Network | https://oceantic.org/

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) issued the following statement from CEO Jason Grumet after the Senate passed, in a 51-50 vote, the reconciliation bill: 

“The Senate reconciliation package is a step backward for American energy policy. The intentional effort to undermine the fastest-growing sources of electric power will lead to increased energy bills, decreased grid reliability, and the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs. Most discouraging is forfeiting the progress we’ve made in manufacturing batteries, wind turbines and solar panels, and the economic growth occurring in communities across the country. 

“With energy demand skyrocketing, we must work as a nation to maximize all domestic energy resources. While it was expected that this legislation would shift the direction of U.S. energy policy, we can’t afford to pick winners and losers when it comes to reliable, American-made energy. We need all of it— and we need it fast. 

“While the twelve-month phase out of clean energy tax incentives is very aggressive, the final bill avoids two punitive measures that would have needlessly harmed American energy production. Notably, the Senate removed provisions that would have changed tax policy retroactively and undermined energy projects already in development. The legislation also removed a new tax increase targeting only wind and solar power that was added with no notice and little explanation.   

“We appreciate the members of Congress who worked to get this legislation to a better place. Their efforts reinforce the basic principle that Congress should not bet against progress in any part of our economy.  

“The American clean power sector is central to our nation’s success and will continue to play a growing role in the true all of the above energy strategy that is required to deliver affordable, reliable, and clean power to the American people.” 

American Clean Power Association | cleanpower.org

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved Dominion Energy South Carolina’s application to extend the operating license for V.C. Summer Nuclear Station for an additional 20 years.

Located in Fairfield County, South Carolina, V.C. Summer provides electricity for customers of Dominion Energy and state-owned Santee Cooper. The 966-megawatt nuclear unit generates enough carbon-free electricity to power nearly 242,000 homes. It is a three-loop Westinghouse pressurized water reactor operated by highly skilled nuclear professionals under strict safety regulations with oversight from the NRC.

"V.C. Summer Nuclear Station has provided reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy for our customers in the Palmetto State for more than 40 years," said Eric Carr, Dominion Energy's Chief Nuclear Officer. “With steady population growth and economic development, South Carolina will continue to need a clean and reliable workhorse like V.C. Summer to power our customers’ homes and businesses around the clock well into the future."

To ensure V.C. Summer’s longevity, Dominion Energy regularly performs maintenance and conducts upgrades at the station, including recently replacing the main transformer. Dominion Energy will continue to invest in V.C. Summer to ensure it operates at the highest levels of safety and performance for the life of the station.

V.C. Summer was originally licensed to operate for 40 years from 1982 through 2022. In 2004, the NRC approved a license renewal to allow continued operation for an additional 20 years through 2042. With the second renewed license, which was approved on June 30, 2025, the unit can operate through 2062.

Dominion Energy received approval to extend the operating licenses for Surry Power Station and North Anna Power Station in 2021 and 2024, respectively. The company plans to seek NRC approval to extend the operating license for Millstone Power Station in Connecticut.

In addition to providing electricity, Dominion Energy provides more than $33 million in tax revenue to Fairfield County annually as well as donates to local community organizations.

Dominion Energy | https://www.dominionenergy.com/

Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVTV) ("Envirotech," "EVT", or the "Company") is excited to announce the initiation of full commercial-stage operations in the Company's electric school bus vertical with its first three deliveries of its EVT Bumble Bee electric school bus to the independent school districts of Freer, Blanket, and Waelder, Texas.

Funding for the buses is provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") as part of the Clean School Bus ("CSB") Program. The purpose of the CSB Program is to provide $5 billion over five years (FY 2022-2026) to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and clean school buses.

Under the CSB Program, Envirotech expects to deliver 25 total electric buses to school districts in Texas and Arkansas, with an aggregate of $8,570,000 awarded under the CSB Program to support these deliveries.

Management expects to deliver an additional EVT "Bumble Bee" electric school bus this week to another Texas independent school district. The EVT fast charging 100% electric school buses being delivered get up to 150 miles range and have zero emissions and zero noise pollution.

The Bumble Bee offers significant benefits over conventional fossil fuel powered buses:

• Zero tailpipe emissions-students, drivers, and members of the community will be exposed to significantly less harmful diesel emissions like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel school buses.
• Reduced maintenance costs due to: regenerative braking, no engine or exhaust system.
• Potential for reduced fuel costs compared to diesel depending on electricity costs.
• Quiet, clean operation.

"Kicking off unit shipping for our EVT Bumble Bee line demonstrates the continuing growth and maturation of Envirotech's electric vehicle segment," said Jason Maddox, President and Interim Chief Financial Officer of Envirotech. "We are honored to serve the students of Blanket, Freer, and Waelder. We express our thanks to the EPA for the Clean School Bus Program and the agency's commitment to the health and safety of America's school children, and we welcome the opportunity to serve additional Texas school districts in the near future."

Freer ISD Superintendent of Schools, Conrad Cantu, expressed Freer ISD's excitement at receiving the first electric bus in the ISD's history: "Freer ISD is proud to receive our first "Bumble Bee" electric school bus from EVT. We are grateful to the EPA's Clean School Bus Program for the funding that made it possible. The students of Freer ISD will benefit greatly from the zero emissions bus and can expect a quiet and clean ride to and from school."

Blanket ISD Superintendent of Schools, David Whisenhunt, spoke about Blanket ISD receiving the first electric bus in the ISD's history: "Blanket ISD has received our first "Bumble Bee" electric school bus from EVT. We thank the team at Envirotech Vehicles and the EPA's Clean School Bus Program for making this possible. Our students will be delighted to ride in a zero emissions electric bus."

Waelder ISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ron Lilie, commented: "Waelder ISD is excited to have received our first "Bumble Bee" electric school bus from EVT. We would like to thank Envirotech Vehicles along with the EPA's Clean School Bus Program for making this possible. Waelder's students will welcome the opportunity to ride in a zero emissions electric bus."

Jason Maddox emphasized the $8,570,000 awarded under the CSB Program towards the delivery of 25 EVT buses, as well as the potential for future deliveries if the CSB Program receives additional federal funding: "Delivering 25 buses against our current EPA backlog will be a significant achievement," noted Maddox. "We are equally excited about the potential for a new tranche of EPA funding which would help to support continued strong growth in electric bus orders for Envirotech and its shareholders."

For more information on the CSB Program please visit the EPA program website at: https:/www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus

Envirotech Vehicles | www.evtvusa.com