New auto technologies will create jobs and help automakers meet higher mileage requirements and lessen U.S. dependence on foreign oil, the White House said.
Technological advances, combined with new mandates requiring automakers to bring their average fuel mileage for passenger cars to 55.4 miles per gallon by 2025 from the current 27 mpg mandate, "represent the largest single step our nation has ever taken to reduce our dependence on oil," Heather Zichal, who coordinates the administration's energy and climate policy, told reporters ahead of a trip by President Barack Obama Thursday to Holland, Mich., to tour a Johnson Controls Inc. advanced battery facility.
"This facility just emphasizes the administration's commitment both to job creation and investment in clean-energy technologies," Zichal said.
"Because of the critical investment we have made and because of innovative companies like Johnson Controls, the United States will soon have the ability to produce enough batteries to support 500,000 plug-in and hybrid vehicles," she said.
Obama, who made similar remarks July 29 when he announced the 55.4 mpg fuel-efficiency standards for light-duty vehicles, was expected to deliver remarks at 2:40 p.m. EDT highlighting "the key role innovative technologies will play in helping automakers achieve the historic fuel-economy standards, establishing U.S. leadership in advanced vehicle manufacturing, spurring economic growth and creating high-quality domestic jobs in cutting-edge industries across America," the White House said late Wednesday.
America voted for divided government and that makes it tough," he told the crowd of about 400 people at Johnson Controls. "But you didn't vote for dysfunctional government, a do-nothing government.
Obama's challenges escalated this week as the stock market has swung wildly for a fourth-straight day with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 423 points after a 519-point decline Wednesday. The roller coaster ride followed Standard and Poor's downgrading of the federal government's credit rating last Friday.
"This downgrading we're reading about could have been entirely avoided if there had been a willingness to compromise in Congress," Obama said. "What Congress doesn't have is the capacity to come together and get things done. It was a self-inflicted wound. And that's what frustrates me."
He said partisanship is undermining public confidence in government and urged the crowd to contact their members of Congress.
"If you agree with me, it doesn't matter if you're a Democrat, Republican or Independent, you've got to let Congress know that you've had enough of the theatrics and start passing some bills that will help our economy right now," he said.
Kevin Eaves, 39, of Holland, an electrician for one of Johnson Controls' facilities in Holland, said he welcomed the tough words from the president.
"I was surprised that he was so stern on Congress," he said. "But he was right on point. They're acting like a bunch of kids in Washington."
State Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, said while he was glad the president came to Holland, he was disappointed at his rhetoric.
"All we heard today was the blame game," he said. "When we should have heard 'The buck stops with me and we're going back to Washington to get our credit rating back.' He took no responsibility."
Compared with his last visit to Michigan -- a frigid day in Marquette in February when he touted new efforts to take the Internet to rural areas -- this summer day was a perfect 78 and sunny.
Still, Holland wasn't exactly welcoming. There were no extra flags flying downtown, or signs welcoming Obama. The marquee on the Knickerbocker Theater downtown welcomed Hope College students to campus for the fall.
Ottawa County, Holland's home, is one of Michigan's most Republican counties. Obama lost it to Republican John McCain, 61%-37% in 2008.
State Rep. Joan Bauer, D-Lansing, said Obama needs to visit places like Holland. "Anytime the president comes to our state, it's an important day because it allows us to tell our story."
Holland City Councilman Shawn Miller said he's thrilled Obama visited Holland for a second time in 13 months.
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