Senate bill would transition nontactical military vehicles to EVs
A group of U.S. senators introduced a bill that would transition the nontactical fleet used by the Department of Defense (DoD) to electric or other zero-emission vehicles.
Specifically, the Military Vehicle Fleet Electrification Act would require at least 75 percent of all nontactical vehicles, such as cars, vans, and light-duty trucks, purchased or leased by DoD or procured or leased by the General Services Agency (GSA) for DoD, to be electric or zero-emission vehicles. Further, standards would be applied to ensure they are American vehicles.
“Transitioning the military’s nontactical fleet of vehicles to electric or other zero-emission vehicles would have a significant impact on the U.S. government’s greenhouse gas emissions. This is an effective solution that helps us tackle the climate crisis and keeps the military ready for the future. I look forward to working with my colleagues to incorporate these provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), one of the billʻs sponsors, said.
U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Edward Markey (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Angus King (I-VT) also sponsored the legislation.
“Transitioning the Defense Department’s non-combat vehicle fleet to electric and other zero-emissions vehicles is a critical step in reducing our government’s carbon emissions,” Hirono said. “This legislation will help combat climate change while helping to ensure our military has the advantages of a modern fleet of vehicles that reduces the military’s dependence on oil.”
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“We have a responsibility–as a nation and within our military–to make thoughtful purchases that address the climate crisis. Transitioning the military’s enormous fleet of passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and vans with internal combustion engines to American-made electric and zero-emission vehicles is a common-sense way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The United States Postal Service and other federal agencies must also transition to an electric vehicle fleet, and I plan to see the military do the same for nontactical vehicles,” Garamendi said.
The DoD currently has more than 174,00 nontactical vehicles across service branches. This is the second-largest federal vehicle fleet after the U.S. Postal Service. Further, the Biden administration’s Federal Sustainability Plan found that 56 percent of the federal government’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from DoD.
The Military Vehicle Fleet Electrification Act is supported by Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) and SAFE’s Commanding Heights Initiative, National Electrical Contractors Association, Natural Resources Defense Council; National Mining Association; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs).
