DOE backs off Microvast grant plans amid GOP’s China criticisms

The Biden administration announced on Monday it is dropping plans to give a $200 million dollar federal grant to Microvast, a Texas-based battery company whose connections to China had drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers. It’s the latest example of how the rivalry between Washington and Beijing is complicating President Joe Biden’s clean energy agenda. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino discusses DOE’s decision and how the situation highlights broader challenges the Biden administration must navigate as it pushes for a clean energy transition. Plus, the House passed a resolution on Tuesday that would nullify EPA’s new heavy duty trucks rule, but President Joe Biden has vowed to veto it.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro:  https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.