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Green events in the last few years will go down in history and will always be remembered as game changers.

The unexpected turn around in the United States’ energy outlook has caught the energy industry by surprise.

The breakthrough in various areas ranging from natural gas extraction to renewable power in just the last 10 years suddenly made the country a leader in terms of building a greener, more secure energy future for its children and their future progenies.

But achieving this energy future requires US citizens to actively work to grab and take advantage of the opportunities that is being presented by the advancement in technology.

There is no bigger or more strategically important reason for Americans to do this than the benefits they could enjoy if they electrify the country’s transportation sector, starting from the control of greenhouse gas emissions to a complete independence from all oil related energy sources.

In the past few years, electric drive technologies have significantly improved. There are now around 20,000 charging stations in the country compared to just 6,000 stations a couple of years ago.

In addition, the greatest factor that influences plug-in vehicle cost – the price of batteries – is now increasingly moving downwards. That means, the price of electric vehicles will surely go down as well.

But the country should not be satisfied with these ‘small’ clean energy advancements. The government should work to fast-track the progress of green energy in relation to the transport sector.

The construction of the road to a more comprehensive electrification of the transport sector needs the whole-hearted cooperation of the country’s transportation key players including policymakers, utilities, automakers and other transport stake holders.

All must be willing to play their part and commit themselves to constructive measures that will ensure the continuous advance of the electric drive technologies that will further develop the marketplace.

One important step that must be taken is to put a long-term price signal to discourage carbon emissions. For instance, the cap-and-trade program of the state of California for its power sector has worked very well, with positive impact to the consumers. Because of its success, California is thinking of applying the scheme to its transportation sector.

Another vital step is by concentrating on the creation of electric-drive products that will supply the requirements of the consumers as well as the private fleet operators. They have the massive buying power that can support the developmental costs and enable car manufacturers to increase their production.

A third important step is by pooling together all the efforts of those who hold a stake in this industry to expand the country’s charging infrastructure. For instance, Pacific Gas and Electric is making an effort to provide chargers at many public locations as well as the workplaces in California.

Finally, the government should start programs that will increase consumer awareness of the advantages and benefits of electric vehicles. Only when the public is fully aware of the EVs benefits and advantages will they be ready to deploy them in their individual lives.