Infrastructure Renewal: The Need for Political Leadership

Abstract

In past times of critical national need, presidents have used major, once-in-a-generation types of initiatives to marshal the assets of the country and overcome whatever crisis may have been impacting the nation. It has been decades since such a presidential initiative has been announced, and the situation the country is in begs for such presidential leadership. The renewal of the nation’s infrastructure is certainly a significant national need and must be part of such an initiative; infrastructure renewal must be part of a broader approach that encompasses two of the nation’s most critical issues: energy independence and climate change. Addressing these two issues will require the mobilization and improvement of all of the country’s assets, both physical and intellectual. The renewal of the nation’s infrastructure will have to be part of this mobilization and improvement. Without a rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, from schools to highways to water treatment plants, the goals of energy independence and reduced greenhouse gas production will never be met.