ASPEN, Colo., June 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --
- New $25 million
climate-equity-focused philanthropic fund to complement GM's
$35 billion investment in EV and AV
programs globally through 2025
- GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra
reinforces the need for equity considerations as the industry
accelerates toward an all-electric future
- GM reinforces its focus on bringing its current workforce
along while helping to build a diverse pipeline of talent as it
advances its zero-emissions vision
Today, GM Chair and CEO Mary
Barra expanded on GM's previous climate commitments,
declaring the company would prioritize equitable climate action to
help ensure its all-electric future is inclusive for its current
and future workforce; customers; and communities that may be more
likely to disproportionately experience the effects of climate
change.
The company also announced the creation of a new $25 million Climate Equity Fund, dedicated to
helping close equity gaps in the transition to electric vehicles
and other sustainable technology. The philanthropic fund
complements the company's $35 billion
global investment in EV and AV programs, research, technology,
manufacturing and charging infrastructure.
"Climate change does not impact every community equally. As we
move to an all-electric, zero-emissions future, it is on us to lead
positive change and implement inclusive solutions that bring
everyone along, especially our employees and communities," Barra
said during the Aspen Ideas Festival.
Barra also shared more about the company's broader focus on
equitable climate action, which is rooted in four key areas:
- The Future of Work: The company reinforced the
prioritization of its current salaried and represented workforce,
including reiterating its long history of supporting unions to
promote safety, quality, training and jobs for American workers. GM
also publicly reiterated its support for the UAW's efforts to
organize employees at the Ohio and
Tennessee Ultium Cells LLC battery cell manufacturing plants.
- EV Access: The company will offer a wide selection of
EVs across a range of price points, from the Bolt EV to the Cruise
Origin shared autonomous vehicle. GM also recently announced
programs leveraging its HYDROTEC fuel cells for rail and aircraft
applications, which could help pave the way for communities to
experience the benefits of zero-emissions mobility beyond the motor
vehicle.
- Infrastructure Equity: GM is committed to ubiquitous
charging solutions that can help meet customers where they are. The
company also understands the need to help address charging deserts
and other scenarios that can hinder EV ownership.
- Climate Equity: GM will help fund organizations that are
closing the climate equity gap at the community level and across
four key areas: the future of work, EV access, EV infrastructure
equity and climate equity.
As the company works to address the key priorities under its
equitable climate action framework, it will be guided by five
principles:
- Make mobility safer, more accessible and more environmentally
friendly for all.
- Incorporate and normalize equity considerations across our
business operations and program implementation efforts, including
workforce strategy, sustainability efforts, and products and
services.
- Work with community-based stakeholders to identify their unique
needs, assets and priorities as well as collaboratively assist
impacted communities.
- Advocate for inclusive and equitable climate change, renewable
energy and transportation-related policies at the federal, state
and local levels to help ensure a sustainable mobility future for
all.
- Help fund the organizations that are providing equitable access
to a more sustainable future.
Climate Equity Fund
Beginning today, the company is accepting proposals for
funding from its new Climate Equity Fund. Potential grantees are
encouraged to submit proposals aligned to GM's four climate equity
social outcomes: future of work, EV access, EV infrastructure
equity and climate equity. The company will prioritize grassroots
organizations working at the community level.
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused
on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and
accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium
battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to
high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its
joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet,
Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More
information on the company and its subsidiaries,
including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and
security services, can be found
at https://www.gm.com.
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SOURCE General Motors Co.