Guest post by Operation Free Field Organizer Mary Deering.
As the single largest energy consumer in the United States, the DoD is taking impressive steps towards reducing wasteful energy practices and investing in green energy technologies. Here’s an update:
Alexandra Zavis, in her Los Angeles Times article, Military embraces green energy, for national security reasons, notes that the military recognizes that oil and energy consumption at current levels is not only a waste of money, but a threat to our men and women of the armed services.
Zavis highlights some of the green technologies being used at Ft. Irwin in San Bernardino, CA as an example of the sort of ahead-of-the-curve actions being taken by our military. Ft. Irwin, which “houses the Army’s premier training center for troops deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan,” has “become a testing ground and showcase for green initiatives.” These initiatives, such as installing photovoltaic panels, building insulated tents, and using “plug-in cars,” have already reduced generator usage by “45% – 75%. “
The success of Ft. Irwin has spurred similar measures to be taken at other bases, including those in combat zones. Also, the military’s interest in investing in green technology and alternative energy has piqued the interest of producers of such technologies. “Some believe that the military has the potential to become a catalyst, helping to turn more expensive power sources into financially viable alternatives to coal and petroleum.”
In addition to green technology, we’re learning how more frugal oil consumption, especially in combat zones, translates to fewer fuel convoys, fewer troops needed to defend the convoys, and therefore fewer casualties. As Marine Maj. Gen. Richard Zilmer put it: “’Continued casualty accumulation exhibits potential to jeopardize mission success.’” The amount of resources it takes to transport and defend the copious amounts of fuel being used stretches our military thin.
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