Energy Sec. Granholm Discusses EVs on The Daily Show
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm talked to Michael Kosta on the Daily Show this week about how much the electric vehicle industry has grown since she was championing clean energy as the governor of Michigan. Granholm discussed barriers to EV adoption in America, how to overcome them, and how it would be “political malpractice” to undo the Biden-Harris administration’s clean energy incentives and increased manufacturing of EVs, wind, solar, and batteries. Granholm also explained what heat pumps are, and described the federal incentives for them.
Granholm said: “This year, just in 2024, we will add 30 Hoover Dams worth of clean power to our electric grid, a record amount.”
Granholm also discussed how red states and districts have received the majority of federal funding for clean energy projects. Granholm said there have been 900 factories including wind, solar, and EV batteries funded by the federal government.
“60% of the funding, all those factories I talked about, the investments have gone to red states and red districts.” Granholm said.
Granholm also mentioned the recent news that 200,000 public charging ports are now available nationwide. On October 22, the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation announced that convenient and reliable EV charging options in all 50 states are now providing more people than ever with the freedom to travel using electric vehicles. The national EV charging network is well ahead of schedule to meet the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of 500,000 chargers by 2030.
(Some profanity in video)
Jennifer M. Granholm, the 16th U.S. Secretary of Energy
Jennifer M. Granholm was sworn in as the 16th U.S. Secretary of Energy on February 25, 2021, and is at the forefront of the Department of Energy’s efforts to advance clean energy technologies. She plays a crucial role in helping the U.S. achieve President Biden’s ambitious goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while also focusing on creating millions of well-paying union jobs in the clean energy sector and promoting an equitable economy. Granholm’s responsibilities also include maintaining the U.S. nuclear deterrent, reducing nuclear dangers, and addressing the environmental impacts of legacy defense programs.
Before leading the DOE, Granholm served two terms as Governor of Michigan from 2003 to 2011. Following her governorship, she joined the University of California, Berkeley as a Distinguished Professor of Practice at the Goldman School of Public Policy, where she focused on the intersections of law, clean energy, manufacturing, and policy.
Granholm holds honors degrees from both the University of California, Berkeley, and Harvard Law School. She and her husband, Daniel G. Mulhern, have three children.
The Daily Show
The Daily Show is a prominent American late-night talk show that blends satire with current news and politics. Airing Monday through Thursday on Comedy Central, with extended episodes available on Paramount+, the show is known for its sharp comedic take on recent events, political figures, and media outlets, often incorporating self-referential humor.
The show first premiered in 1996, with Craig Kilborn as the host, who led it until1998. During Kilborn’s tenure, The Daily Show had more of a pop culture focus. However, when Jon Stewart took over in 1999, the show shifted towards political satire, a direction that would define its popularity for years to come. Stewart’s 16-year run, which ended in 2015, solidified The Daily Show as a major voice in political comedy and news satire.
Trevor Noah succeeded Stewart in 2015, bringing his unique global perspective to the show until he stepped down in 2022. In May 2024, Jon Stewart made a return to The Daily Show, continuing its legacy as the longest-running program on Comedy Central. Over the years, the show has won 26 Primetime Emmy Awards, reflecting its impact on both comedy and political discourse.
