U.S. Readers Urge Open EV Competition, Praise Tesla & Nuclear Progress

In letters published July 21 by The Washington Post, readers voiced a range of opinions on electric vehicles, energy policy, and climate-related governance:

• Support for BYD and open markets: Jagjit Singh of Los Altos, California, argued that U.S. trade restrictions are preventing Americans from accessing affordable, high-quality electric vehicles like China's BYD Seagull. He emphasized that climate goals should take precedence over economic protectionism and called for allowing consumers to choose the best available EVs, regardless of origin.
• Defending Tesla's legacy: Vladimir Sorin, writing from Canada, praised Tesla's transformative role in EV adoption and warned against assuming Chinese EVs can be kept out of Western markets through tariffs. He advocated for continued American innovation and leadership in the sector.
• Nuclear energy endorsements: Wayne Bert backed nuclear power as a reliable and essential clean energy source for industrial societies. Steve Michals suggested that former President Donald Trump, given his deal-making persona, might be uniquely suited to broker a resolution to America’s decades-long nuclear waste storage stalemate.
• Regulatory independence: Jim Lieberman, a former U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission official, cautioned against political interference in nuclear safety oversight. He stressed that NRC must remain a science-driven agency, not a tool for partisan agendas.

Key Takeaways for EVWORLD Readers

The letters reflect a common theme: America's clean energy future depends on transparency, innovation, and diverse technology strategies.

• Allowing EV imports: More competition from global EV makers like BYD could accelerate U.S. decarbonization.
• Preserving domestic leadership: Tesla continues to represent a cornerstone of American clean tech innovation and should be supported, not sidelined.
• Expanding clean energy options: There is growing grassroots support for nuclear energy as a stable, emissions-free complement to renewables.
• Protecting regulatory integrity: Scientific rigor, not politics, must govern safety and energy oversight bodies like the NRC.

Bottom Line for EVWORLD

Readers from across North America are urging policymakers to pursue open competition, support proven innovators, and build a balanced, science-led clean energy system. Whether it is Chinese EVs or American nuclear plants, public opinion seems to favor practical solutions over partisan posturing.

Source: Letters to the Editor, The Washington Post, July 21, 2025

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