Interior, Defense Departments team up on renewable energy

August 7, 2012 | By Travis Mitchell

The U.S. Interior and Defense departments on Monday announced a joint effort to promote reneweable energy on Federal lands, an initiative designed to support the Obama administration's "all-of-the-above" energy policy.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Interior Sectretary Ken Salazar joined in the announcement, which included the signing of a memorandum encouraging development of renewable energy projects on public lands that have already been reserved for military use. This includes harnessing solar, geothermal, biomass and offshore wind energy sources.

"Our nation's military lands hold great renewable energy potential, and this partnership will help ensure that we're tapping into these resources with a smart and focused approach to power our military, reduce energy costs, and grow our nation's energy independence," Salazar said.

Secretary Panetta said the partnership will also help the reduce the military's energy costs, as well as help improve grid reliability.

"Renewable energy projects built on these lands will provide reliable, local sources of power for military installations; allow for a continued energy supply if the commercial power grid gets disrupted; and will help lower utility costs," he said.

The memorandum will set up working groups to determine the best siting for different renewable energy sources, as well as set up pilot projects for renewable installations.

For more:
- view the memorandum