As someone who has spent 35+ years of my career supporting the electrification of America, I like to think I know a good idea when I see one. Earlier this year, President Biden announced an ambitious goal to replace all 647,000 petroleum-powered federal vehicles with electric vehicles. This bold move can accelerate our transition to a clean energy economy, create jobs, and protect our communities from harmful air pollution—but only if those electric vehicles are powered by clean energy. That’s where our nation’s largest source of carbon-free energy comes in. Nuclear power provides more than 20% of the country’s electricity – and over 37% here in New Jersey thanks to the Salem-Hope Creek plant, keeping the lights on at home and improving air quality in our communities. We can turn President Biden’s good idea into a great one by transitioning away from fossil fuels to nuclear energy and renewables, helping ensure electric vehicles are truly green. Art Lembo served as president of the Power Business Unit for AECOM, a multinational engineering consulting firm, from 2011 to 2020. Lembo has more than 31 years of experience in the engineering, construction and maintenance industry, with roles comprising supervisory, project management and business development within the nuclear, fossil, process and metals markets. |