[Source.](https://freebeacon.com/biden-administration/biden-admin-taps-fords-top-electric-vehicle-lobbyist-as-energy-department-adviser/) > *Auto giant's head of government affairs has defended partnership with Chinese battery maker* > Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm has a new adviser: Ford's top electric vehicle lobbyist, who has defended the auto giant's use of taxpayer funds to build batteries with Chinese technology. > Granholm earlier this month tapped Ford lobbyist Christopher Smith to serve on her Secretary of Energy Advisory Board, which guides Granholm on how best to achieve a "global clean energy revolution." As Ford's chief government affairs officer—a role Smith will keep while serving on the board—Smith has lobbied an array of federal entities on green policies. Ford's most recent disclosure, for example, shows that Smith lobbied the Energy Department on electric vehicles and greenhouse gas emission regulations just days before Granholm announced his status as an advisory board member.