ArentFox Schiff Legal Podcasts ArentFox Schiff LLP

In the latest installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, host Birgit Matthiesen sits down with Thomas Boylan, regulatory director at Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), to discuss the importance and benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), specifically electric school buses, for public health, climate, and economic advantages.

They delve into the need for public education and advocacy to drive the transition and the impact of trade policies and tariffs on the EV supply chain. The discussion also covers the significant role of grid modernization in supporting electric mobility and ZETA's future plans for policy implementation, defending tax incentives, and advocacy for the EV supply chain. They are also joined by Antonio Rivera, partner and leader of the firm’s Electric Mobility practice, who provides the latest updates on Section 301 tariffs and their impacts on the industry.

Highlights of the conversation include:
- The public health, climate, and economic benefits of advancing the adoption of EVs, particularly electric school buses.
- The necessity of public education and outreach to make school districts aware of funding opportunities for electric buses and assist them in navigating the competitive application process.
- The role of grid modernization, including vehicle-to-grid applications and managed charging, in supporting the transition to electric mobility.
- The impact of trade policies and tariffs on the EV supply chain, underscoring the need for advocacy to protect tax incentives and promote domestic manufacturing.
- The continued commitment of ZETA to implement policies, defend tax incentives, and advocate for the EV supply chain, fostering a sustainable future.

In the latest installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, host Birgit Matthiesen is joined by International Trade & Investment Partner Leah Scarpelli to discuss the recent developments in US-China tariffs, specifically the Section 301 tariffs.

Birgit and Leah delve into the potential implications of a 100% tariff on electric vehicles (EVs) from China, the May 14 conclusion of the Biden Administration's review of these longstanding tariffs, the Office of the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) proposal that the tariffs will continue but most product exclusions will not, and the White House's call for public comment on these proposals.

Highlights of the conversation include:
• An in-depth analysis of the USTR's four-year review and its proposed changes.
• The continuation and potential expansion of existing tariffs in certain sectors.
• The introduction of a limited exclusion process for requesting exclusions from the tariffs.
• The importance for importers to understand their supply chain and confirm the country of origin for shipments.
• The encouragement for companies to submit public comments on the proposed modifications to the tariffs.

In the latest episode of Five Questions, Five Answers, Birgit Matthiesen sits down with Stephen Hanley, senior writer at CleanTechnica.com, to discuss the electric vehicle (EV) revolution and the concept of the "S curve."  

They also discuss the factors that influence EV adoption, such as incentives, infrastructure, and consumer attitudes toward new technology. 

Key Takeaways:
- The EV revolution is alive and well in many parts of the world, with some countries like Norway already reaching mainstream acceptance.
- The S curve tracks the adoption of new technologies, with 5% of customers investing in new technology being an important milestone.

In the latest installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, host Birgit Matthiesen is joined by International Trade & Investment Associate Jessica DiPietro for a deep dive into the complex world of aluminum extrusions.

These ubiquitous materials, found in a broad spectrum of manufactured goods and across a multitude of industries, are currently under the microscope of a sweeping trade investigation led by Washington, DC. The potential outcome? Hefty import tariffs that could soar into triple digits.

Birgit and Jessica offer a concise breakdown of the investigation, its potential triple-digit tariffs, and critical insights for company executives.

Highlights of the conversation include:

- The pivotal role of aluminum extrusions in key industries, notably automotive and transportation.
- The intricate process of the trade investigation on aluminum extrusions, encompassing the filing of petitions and the determination of dumping and subsidization.
- The broad scope of the investigation, encompassing a variety of products and countries.
- The importance for companies to be proactive, specifically in reviewing their supply chain and determining the sourcing country for aluminum extrusions.
- The various engagement opportunities in the investigation, including the submission of comments and participation in the International Trade Commission's (ITC) proceedings.

In this installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, Birgit Matthiesen is joined by Dr. Austin Brown, the Office Director at the US Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office. In this conversation, Dr. Brown shares with listeners the role his Office plays in the Administration’s Clean Energy initiative.

Highlights of the conversation include:
- The Administration’s ongoing support for the US electric mobility sector.
- The number of incentives and programs encouraging the development of clean energy technology, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.
- The DOE’s initiatives to expand the availability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

In the latest installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, Birgit Matthiesen is joined by Leah Scarpelli, a Partner with the firm’s International Trade & Investment Practice. In this end-of-year discussion, Birgit and Leah provide listeners with the latest news from Washington on US “special” 301 tariffs – where things stood at the end of 2023 and what to expect in 2024.

Highlights of the conversation include:

- The significance of US trade tensions with China and US 301 tariffs.
- Recent announcements from the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) Office inviting comments on the continuation of these tariffs and comments in regard to current product exclusions.
- The uncertainties surrounding tariff extensions and potential retaliation from China.