Shepardson, D. (2021, January 26). Biden vows to replace U.S. government fleet with electric vehicles. U.S. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biden-autos/biden-vows-to-replace -u-s-government-fleet-with-electric-vehicles-idUSKBN29U2LW

 

In his first month as president, Joe Biden has released plans to replace the United States government fleet of vehicles with electric alternatives. The government has a very large fleet of about 650,000 cars and trucks (only 3,215 of which are currently electric), meaning their electrification will not only reduce emissions, it will also positively affect car manufacturers who produce electric vehicles by increasing their sales and presence on American roads. On top of his commitment to electrifying the government’s fleet, Biden has pledged to increase the manufacturing and sales of electric vehicles as a part of his fight against climate change. He vowed to create 1 million new jobs in the “American auto industry, domestic supply chains, and auto infrastructure” and to create 550,000 new electric vehicle charging stations.

 

Policies similar to Biden’s commitment to electrifying the government’s fleet of vehicles are important steps that help increase the normality of environmentally friendly technology such as electric vehicles. By increasing the presence of electric vehicles throughout every region of the United States, this plan will allow them to become commonplace, unlike the rarity that they currently are seen as in much of the country. Biden’s overall attitude towards electric vehicles is important for environmental science because the country’s shift to electric vehicles is necessary to combat climate change. Transportation is one of the major emitters of carbon dioxide, thus if the country is not able to shift to zero-emissions vehicles every aspect of the environment will be damaged by climate change.