Tesla CEO Elon Musk seems very optimistic about the new Biden government’s environmental priorities, noting in a long telephone interview with Fortune last week, he was “excited” about the country’s renewed focus on climate issues. During his interview, Musk talked about why he is excited about the Biden administration, his division with the Trump administration and his hopes for the near future.
Musk noted that he is extremely happy with the change in the White House, particularly with President Joe Biden’s open stance on combating climate change. This is a notable break from the Trump administration’s stance, which took a series of steps and endorsed initiatives that pushed the pro-climate agenda aside. “I am very excited that the new government is focused on the climate,” said Musk, noting that he is closely following the decisions of the new president.
“I think this is great. I am very optimistic about the future of sustainable energy with the new administration. Not that we should be complacent or anything, but the wind is on our backs to resolve the climate crisis with the new administration, ”said Musk.
In addition to sharing his thoughts on the Biden administration, Musk also discussed his brief stint as part of the economic advisory board of former U.S. President Donald Trump and on his industry jobs initiative board. Musk ended up leaving that advice after Trump announced he was withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change. This change, according to Musk, was the last straw for him, especially considering that he is ahead of the world’s leading EV company.
“I said… it is very important that we face the climate crisis and everything. I took his word for it, that he really meant it, ”said Musk.
Tesla’s CEO said he is currently hoping to get involved again while the new US president launches and implements detailed environmental policies, including a focus on electric vehicles. This became an important focus recently when Biden announced his intentions to use fully electric cars as vehicles for the U.S. government. In his announcement, Biden noted that the initiative would likely create about 1 million jobs for clean energy automotive workers.
Musk said he “did not want” to speak to the new US president just yet. However, the CEO noted that his advisers are already in informal contact with the White House because Tesla knows many of the pro-environment people that the Biden government is bringing into his fold. “My team, being very pro-environment, they know a lot of people that Biden is bringing,” said Musk, adding that “we will do our best to help the new administration with respect to the climate.”
The Teslarati team would like to hear from you. If you have any tips, send an email to [email protected] or contact me at [email protected].