OPERATION FREE
Secure America with Clean Energy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2010
CONTACT
David Solimini, 757-876-0295
Statement: Vets, Military Experts Applaud Climate Bill
Action on climate, energy increases American security
In response to the announcement of the American Power Act by Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and John Kerry (D-MA), Operation Free released the following statements. Operation Free is a coalition of veterans and national security organizations dedicated to securing America with clean energy.
Sixty five military veterans, guests of Operation Free and coalition partner Veterans Green Jobs, attended the legislative announcement.
Operation Free Campaign Director and former US Marine, Jonathan Murray:
“Operation Free is very encouraged by today’s announcement. Our massive transfer of wealth to gulf nations to pay for oil is a destabilizing force, enriching some of our most dangerous enemies there and around the world. Taking a strong stance on carbon pollution could deprive Iran, one of the world’s most aggressive and unpredictable nations, of up to $100 million a day in oil revenue. Given their record of hostility to us and our allies, we can’t afford to allow them even one more dime.”
Jonathan Powers, COO of the Truman National Security Project, and former US Army Captain:
“Many in the national security community are standing squarely behind this legislation because the connection between our safety and energy could not be more clear. Controlling our energy future means a safer America, a stronger military, and a robust and growing economy here at home. America can and must lead by example in this, one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century.”
Lt. General John G. Castellaw (US Army, Retired)
“This isn’t an environmental issue, this is a security issue. Our strategic interests, and therefore our national security and the safety of Americans, are threatened by climate change and our continuing dependence on oil. Military leaders know this isn’t about polar bears and ice caps, it’s about international stability and national security.”
Major General Paul Monroe (US Army, Retired)
“We make a profound strategic error if we underestimate the impact that climate has on regional and international stability. Some of our most worrisome trouble spots around the world are dangerous because of a combination of climate problems and social unrest – Somalia, Nigeria, and Yemen are strong examples. Congress must pass this legislation to make the world a safer place.”
Clean energy and climate change are closely tied to America’s national security. Oil money is a major source of funding for terrorist organizations around the world. Every day, Americans send over $1 billion to hostile nations for energy – money that ends up funding the Taliban in Afghanistan and IEDs in Iraq.
- Operation Free recently released a television advertisement which highlights this connection: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6_PRzP0R88
The Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Council have all recognized climate change as a threat to international stability, most recently in the Defense Department’s strategic plan, the Quadrennial Defense Review. The drought, flood, famine, and crop failures caused by climate change destabilize weak nations, making them safe havens and breeding grounds for terrorist organizations.
- Read more about the Quadrennial Defense Review: http://www.operationfree.net/2010/02/01/dod-says-climate-change-is-a-threat/
The Veterans for American Power Bus Tour, Operation Free’s signature campaign, is ongoing. Over the past 5 months its bio-diesel powered bus has traveled over 25,000 miles to 29 states and held over 175 events, where veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan discuss the connection between energy and national security.
Operation Free is a coalition of veterans and national security organizations dedicated to securing America with clean energy. Learn more online at www.OperationFree.net. Operation Free is an advocacy campaign of the Truman National Security Project.
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Laura Britton
Press Secretary, Operation Free
Truman National Security Project
925-699-3332
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