The Obama administration today announced a pilot program designed to put the government on the path to making the federal fleet powered entirely by alternative fueled vehicles by 2015. Environment America policy analyst Daniel Gatti issued this response:
“Electric vehicles are the future of the American automobile, and with today’s announcement the Obama administration has once again showed its commitment to leading the way. The goal of powering all federal government vehicles with electricity or other alternative fuels is achievable, important, and will help make the Obama administration’s overall goal of 1 million electric vehicles by 2015 a reality.
“Electric vehicles have the power to free drivers from Big Oil, which will mean cleaner air for our families, a more stable climate, and more protection for our coastlines from dangerous offshore drilling. Thanks to the work of the Obama administration, every major vehicle manufacturer is preparing to release a plug in electric vehicle over the next few years, including the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year Chevy Volt and the all-electric Nissan Leaf. These cars cost pennies per mile to operate, consume no oil on most trips, and will greatly reduce air and water pollution.
“This announcement will surely lead our automakers to increase the number of electric vehicles manufactured, which will help bring down initial costs for consumers. Further, federal investment in a charging infrastructure will make these cars more convenient to own and operate.
“With the environmental and economic costs of gasoline higher than ever, this is another important step in getting our country off oil.”