Foreword
In its latest infrastructure report card, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gives the United States a D plus grade (the same as four years ago) — meaning that the country’s public works are in substandard condition and at risk of failure unless substantial investments are made in their improvement. According to the report, “Deteriorating infrastructure is impeding our ability to compete in the thriving global economy” and, while the United States has made some progress, “reversing the trajectory after decades of underinvestment … requires transformative action.” In the energy section of the report, ASCE notes that “most electric…