Carmakers urged to invest in mines to avoid battery metal pinch

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union expressed concern Thursday that a new U.S. tax credit plan aimed at encouraging Americans to buy electric vehicles would discriminate against European producers and break World Trade Organization rules. Under the Inflation Reduction Act nearing final approval in the U.S. Congress, a tax credit of up to $7,500 could be granted to lower the cost of an electric vehicle. To qualify, the bill requires that electric vehicles should contain a battery built in North America with minerals mined or recycled on the continent. “The European Union is deeply concerned by this new, potential, trans-Atlantic trade barrier,” European Commission spokeswoman Miriam Garcia Ferrer said. “We think that it’s discriminatory, that it’s discriminating against foreign producers in relation to U.S. producers.” “Of course this would mean that it would be incompatible with the WTO,” she said. The commission is the EU’s executive branch, and part of its responsibilities is … [Read more...] about EU says US electric vehicle tax credit could break WTO rules

NEW YORK (AP) — Gas prices are falling but still higher than they were a year ago. And inflation has made most everything else more expensive. If you're looking to save money on your commute, here are some tips: IF YOU HAVE A CAR: MAKE A DRIVING STRATEGY AAA recommends avoiding traffic and adjusting your normal route in order to avoid unnecessary driving. When possible, visit “one-stop shops” where you can run multiple errands in the same space and only use premium gas for cars that either recommend it or require it. “Paying for premium gas for a car that is regular is a waste of money and is of no benefit to the vehicle,” according to AAA. MODERATE YOUR SPEED Driving the speed limit can help you save money. Most vehicles reach optimal fuel economy at 50 mph. For every 5 mph you drive over that, it can cost an additional 30 cents per gallon, according to fueleconomy.org. For more tips to save on fuel, the U.S. government offers recommendations such as how to choose a … [Read more...] about Tips for saving on your commute amid high inflation

0 Crime & Safety The resolution urges state and federal regulation for the weapons ban. Lake County cannot enact its own high-powered weapon ban. Lake and McHenry County Scanner , News Partner Posted Reply By Sam Borcia, Lake & McHenry County Scanner The Lake County Board on Tuesday voted in favor of supporting state and federal legislation to ban the sale and possession of "assault rifles." The Tuesday morning vote was 16-5 in favor of the resolution. Lake County cannot enact its own high-powered weapon ban because it is not a home rule municipality. The resolution urges state and federal regulation for the weapons ban and also says that Lake County supports Illinois House Bill 552, which mandates safe firearm storage. The resolution also says Lake County supports FOID card reforms and mandated training related to the sale or possession of firearms. Last Friday, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering gave … [Read more...] about Lake Co. Board Votes To Support Ban On Assault Rifles

5 Politics & Government Americans for Prosperity urges the Arlington Heights Village Board to adopt an "anti-corporate welfare" ordinance, reject stadium proposal. The Center Square Illinois , News Partner Posted Replies By Kevin Bessler | The Center Square CHICAGO, IL — As the Chicago Bears appear to be headed for greener pastures outside of the city, one organization is telling the team to build a new stadium without taxpayer assistance. The team has purchased the former Arlington Racecourse property for a possible new home. Americans for Prosperity is urging members of the Arlington Heights Village Board to adopt an "anti-corporate welfare" ordinance and reject proposals that would build a new Chicago Bears stadium with taxpayer money. "They absolutely can build this on their own without having the taxpayers finance parts of the stadium or the infrastructure around the stadium," Americans for Prosperity … [Read more...] about Group Opposes New Chicago Bears Stadium Using Taxpayer Funds

0 Politics & Government The event at village hall will focus on the $700 billion Inflation Reduction Act, according to organizers. Eric DeGrechie , Patch Staff Posted Reply PALATINE, IL — With the $700 billion Inflation Reduction Act expected to soon head to President Joe Biden's desk for passage, U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (IL-3) wants to talk to local residents about what the climate, health care and tax bill is. The 755-page bill, which passed in the United States Senate on Sunday, will soon be voted on in the House before Biden is expected to sign off on it. Casten is hosting an in-person town hall on the legislation at noon Saturday at Palatine Village Hall, 200 E. Wood St., according to a news release. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Organizers said the town hall will focus on how the Inflation Reduction Act "helps address the climate crisis and lowers health care costs for families." Casten will be taking questions from … [Read more...] about Rep. Casten Hosting Inflation Town Hall On Saturday In Palatine

By SETH BORENSTEIN, MATTHEW DALY and MICHAEL PHILLIS WASHINGTON (AP) — After decades of inaction in the face of escalating natural disasters and sustained global warming, Congress hopes to make clean energy so cheap in all aspects of life that it’s nearly irresistible. The House is poised to pass a transformative bill Friday that would provide the most spending to fight climate change by any one nation ever in a single push. Friday’s anticipated action comes 34 years after a top scientist grabbed headlines warning Congress about the dangers of global warming. In the decades since, there have been 308 weather disasters that have each cost the nation at least $1 billion, the record for the hottest year has been broken 10 times and wildfires have burned an area larger than Texas. The crux of the long-delayed bill, singularly pushed by Democrats in a closely divided Congress, is to use incentives to spur investors to accelerate the expansion of clean energy such as wind and solar … [Read more...] about Big climate bill: Major new spending to spur green energy