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Energy secretary to electrify military’s vehicle fleet by 2030
Adoption of vehicle fleet would be crucial measure in reducing gas emissions, boosting energy self-reliance, enhancing national security
During a hearing at the Senate Armed Services Committee held Wednesday, US Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm endorsed the Biden administration’s proposal to mandate an all-electric vehicle fleet for the military by 2030.
Senator Joni Ernst had inquired about Granholm’s position on the adoption of an “EV fleet by 2030” for the military. In response, Granholm expressed her agreement with the administration, stating, “I do, and I believe we can achieve it.”
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Granholm stated that relying less on globally traded fossil fuels, which can experience price fluctuations, would not aid in achieving energy security. Instead, she asserted that energy security can be attained by having ample amounts of locally produced, eco-friendly energy, similar to what can be found in Iowa. Furthermore, she expressed her belief that the US has the potential to take the lead in global energy independence.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Electric vehicles are not just the future, they are the NOW.<br><br>Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> historic investments, EVs continue to become more affordable and accessible for drivers across America. 🔌🚙⚡️<a href="https://t.co/fyghlcXdua">https://t.co/fyghlcXdua</a></p>— Secretary Jennifer Granholm (@SecGranholm) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecGranholm/status/1651216308271300610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Department of Defense (DoD) is already implementing the administration’s efforts, according to the agency’s online scorecard, which revealed that there are “at least 640 staff that work on environmental justice, either in a full- or part-time capacity.”
In February, President Biden announced new standards aimed at creating a Made-in-America electric vehicle charging network to make the American road trip electrified.
Biden stated last April that his administration is working towards making “every vehicle” in the US military “climate-friendly.”
The Army unveiled a plan last February to establish an electric vehicle fleet, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and cut its emissions by 50 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels. The strategy aims to establish an “all-electric light-duty non-tactical vehicle fleet by 2027” and an “all-electric non-tactical vehicle fleet by 2035.”
The adoption of a fleet consisting entirely of electric vehicles by 2030 would be a crucial measure in reducing gas emissions, boosting energy self-reliance, and enhancing national security. The DOE has expressed its endorsement of the Biden administration’s moves in this direction, while the DoD is already implementing the plan. The implementation of an all-electric vehicle fleet by 2030 could also offer a sales outlet for US-based electric vehicle producers.
