Pew Study: Department of Defense Embracing Clean
Energy
Apr 20 - PRNewswire
The Department of Defense has initiated ambitious clean energy programs
in service of economic, security and environmental goals according to
"Reenergizing America's Defense," a report released today by the Pew
Project on National Security, Energy and Climate. The report describes
efforts by the U.S. military - whose usage accounts for nearly 80
percent of the U.S. government's energy consumption - to reduce
dependence on fossil fuels and cut global warming pollution by enhancing
energy efficiency and harnessing clean energy technologies.
"National security experts have been clear in their warnings - America's
dependence on foreign sources of energy constitutes a threat -
militarily, diplomatically and economically," said Phyllis Cuttino,
director of Pew's climate and energy programs. "But, the department is
doing more than sounding an alarm; it has enacted energy goals and is
inventing, testing and deploying new technologies and alternative fuels
to meet those goals. The military is, in many respects, leading the way
and helping to reenergize America's future."
United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates has identified energy as
one of the department's top-25 transformational priorities and the armed
forces - including the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps - have
undertaken specific initiatives to save energy, mitigate climate change
and reduce costs. The military is investigating and implementing
energy-saving measures in all facets of its operations, both at home and
abroad, including housing, vehicles, fuels, weapons, supplies and
transmission grids.
Overall, the Department of Defense has set a goal of producing or
procuring 25 percent of its electric energy needs from renewable sources
by 2025. Some specific initiatives by the armed services featured in the
report include:
The U.S. Navy is developing a "green" carrier strike group to
run completely on alternative fuels by 2016. (On April 22, the U.S. Navy
will demonstrate the 'Green Hornet', an F/A-18 Super Hornet powered by a
50/50 biofuel blend at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland);
The U.S. Army is developing a 500-megawatt solar power generation plant
in Fort Irwin, California that will help power the base and reduce the
base's vulnerability to power supply disruptions. Named a 'Net-Zero Plus
installation,' the Army hopes to free the base entirely from reliance on
the public electric grid within the next decade;
The U.S. Air Force has a goal of meeting 25 percent of base energy needs
with renewable energy sources by 2025; and
The U.S. Marine Corps has launched the 10X10 campaign aimed at reducing
energy intensity, water consumption and increasing the use of renewable
electric energy.
"The stakes could not be higher," said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus. "Energy
reform will make us better fighters. In the end, it is a matter of
energy independence and it is a matter of national security. Our
dependence on foreign sources of petroleum makes us vulnerable in too
many ways. The stakes are clear and the stakes are high. Our response
has to be equal to that challenge."
With an annual energy budget of approximately $20 billion, the Defense
Department incurs more than $1.3 billion in additional energy costs for
every $10 increase per barrel rise in the world market price of oil. In
addition to vulnerability to price fluctuations, the department's
reliance on fossil fuels also compromises combat effectiveness by
restricting mobility, flexibility and endurance on the battlefield.
Transportation of fuel to the combat theater is a significant
vulnerability as fuel convoys are targets in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Today's military leaders clearly understand that forward- looking
approaches to energy and climate can save American lives and money as
well as reduce emissions," said Cuttino. "This leadership and ingenuity
of the military must be mirrored by Congress and the Administration. If
we are going to seize the opportunity presented by the emerging clean
energy economy, we need a strong policy framework that puts a price on
carbon, invests in energy innovation and helps deploy low-cost,
low-carbon energy sources to help strengthen our nation's security,
economy and environment."
"It is the forward-deployed soldier, airman, sailor, or Marine who is
truly aware of the critical implications of energy usage from the
tactical all the way to the strategic level," said Amanda J. Dory,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Strategy). "This awareness stems
from first-hand knowledge of both the logistical vulnerabilities
associated with energy intensive operations and the resource scarcities
that stress vulnerable populations and governance capacity."
Defense and intelligence experts have found that situations of
instability can worsen from the impacts of climate change as water and
food supplies decline, storm intensity increases, agricultural patterns
are disrupted and migration increases due to conflict or resource
shortages. In February 2010, the department's four year strategic
planning document, the Quadrennial Defense Review, for the first time
officially recognized climate change as a key issue playing a
significant role in shaping the future security environment. It declared
"Climate change... may act as an accelerant of instability or conflict,
placing a burden to respond on civilian institutions and militaries
around the world."
"Throughout history, the men and women of the Armed Forces have been
among the first to respond to situations abroad to provide humanitarian
relief, to help a nation maintain its sovereignty or to provide support
in times of severe shortages of basic human necessities," said former
U.S. Senator John W. Warner. "The Department of Defense has been an
engine of innovation, pioneering development of cutting edge
technologies such as the internet and global positioning systems.
Building on this record, the department will continue to help the United
States develop and deploy the clean energy technologies our nation and
our troops need to be safe, secure and prosperous in the future."
To read the report, go to www.pewclimatesecurity.org.
The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve
today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical
approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic
life. For more information on the Pew Project on National Security,
Energy and Climate, go to www.pewclimatesecurity.org.
CONTACT:
Brandon MacGillis, 202.887.8830, bmacgillis@pewtrusts.org
Dave Bard, 202.778.4551, dbard@pewtrusts.org
SOURCE Pew Project on National Security, Energy and Climate
Originally published by Pew Project on National Security, Energy and
Climate.
(c) 2010
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