The Wind PTC is due to expire at the end of this year unless Congress votes to renew it.  The wind PTC supports thousands of good-paying, middle-class jobs throughout the country. Americans of all stripes, including veterans, have benefited from the job opportunities and growth created by the wind energy industry.

At the press conference, Sens. Udall and Grassley and Reps. McNerney and King will release a new petition signed by veterans across the country urging Congress to extend the tax credit.

WHO:

Mike Breen, Operation Free Spokesman and former U.S. Army Captain
Senator Mark Udall (D-Colo.)

Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa)

Rep. Jerry McNerney (D- Calif.)
Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa)

Veterans from across the country

WHEN: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 12:40pm -1:10pm ET

WHERE:  Room SVC-202-203 of the United States Capitol, Washington, DC

Please RSVP to Stephanie at sdreyer@trumanproject.org or 914-715-6087

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Operation Free is a nationwide coalition of veterans and national security experts working to secure America with clean energy. Operation Free is a campaign of the Truman National Security Project.

1) We, the United States of America, consume a lot of oil, and it’s hurting us (and helping our enemies).

In fact, as around 4.5% of the world’s population, we consume about 25% of the world’s oil, the cost of which comes out to roughly $1 billion per day.  This money funds oil-rich states such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, who are Al Qaeda’s strongest supporters.

Photo courtesy of The American Conservative

20% of the world’s oil travels through the Strait of Hormuz alone, which Iran has threatened to close.  Our oil dependence effectively makes the US economy dependent on and vulnerable to the exact countries that don’t like us very much. 

But then, can’t we just come up with our own sources of oil?

Well, actually it’s not that easy.  For one, the US only possess 3% of the world’s oil reserves, which would be exhausted in 4 years at our current consumption rates, so drilling at home wouldn’t bring us energy independence.  In fact, all purchases of oil increase global oil demand, thus increasing global oil prices and ultimately putting more money into the hands of the countries that support terrorism.  On top of that, oil usage is the greatest contributing factor to climate change.

Oh yeah, that.

2) Climate change is real, and it’s a threat multiplier.

America’s national security leaders—the Department of Defense, the Department of State, the CIA and the National Intelligence Council—aren’t debating it.  They’ve instead gone ahead and labeled it a ‘threat multiplier’ that acts to accelerate instability.

Climate refugees in Bangladesh carrying what little they can. Photo courtesy of Climate Refugees, LLC.

Climate change enables the spread of tropical diseases, increases the frequency and intensity of storms, dislocates populations through rising sea levels, and causes mass migration as crops dry up and farms are flooded.  All of these changes exacerbate border-tensions, create fertile breeding grounds for extremists, often times lead to costly US military intervention, and generally accelerate geopolitical instability.

3) A transition to clean energy is the long-term answer.

On 140 acres of unused Nellis land sit 70,000 solar panels. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nadine Y. Barclay)

Clean energy solutions such as wind, solar, and advanced biofuels not only reduce our dangerous dependence on oil, they make the planet cleaner, create domestic jobs, enable the military to focus on other threats, and draw on the best of US education and industry. The US should leverage its competitive advantage in innovation and skilled manufacturing to take the lead.  Investments like these increase our energy independence, and in doing so greatly strengthen our national security.

Contact: Victoria Glynn (978) 807-3855
vglynn@trumanproject.org

New Clean Energy Law at California State Senate Hearing

Mike Breen: New Law Will Boost California Economy, Create Jobs

Camarillo, Calif. –Today, Mike Breen, the Vice President of the Truman National Security Project and former U.S. Army Captain, testified before the California State Senate at an informational hearing on energy security, California businesses and military partnerships. The hearing highlighted the ways in which California clean energy companies are working with the Department of Defense to strengthen the state’s energy security, stimulate the local economy, and create jobs.

In his testimony, Breen praised the California State Senate for unanimously passing legislation that will promote the development of clean, domestic energy sources. The Energy Security Coordination Act, S.B. 1409, which was sponsored by Operation Free and parent organization Truman National Security Project, directs the governor of research and planning to coordinate energy policies with the U.S. Department of Defense in order to resolve conflicts that might arise in the military’s research, development, and deployment of clean energy in California.

Breen said:  “S.B. 1409 ensures that California and the Department of Defense (DoD) coordinate closely to implement clean energy policies. This landmark law empowers the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research to serve as a liaison between state government agencies and the DoD on clean energy projects and policies- a tremendous boost for California companies competing over contracts to develop the next generation of energy solutions for the battlefield. S.B. 1409 ensures that the State of California capitalizes on every opportunity to assist the Department of Defense in advancing our nation’s energy security objectives, creating new jobs and achieving California’s clean energy goals in the process.”

Governor Brown signed S.B. 1409 into law this week.

At the hearing, Sen. Fran Pavley thanked the Truman Project for its support of S.B. 1409. “I want to especially recognize the work of the Truman National Security Project in leading discussions at the state and national level on issues surrounding energy security. Thousands of veterans across the country have joined forces under the Truman project to execute Operation Free, a national campaign to break our dependence on oil through clean energy. The Truman National Security Project has been instrumental in participating in key policy discussions in California and sponsored legislation I authored, Senate Bill 1409.”

Since 2009, the Truman National Security Project has been the leading voice on highlighting the connection between national security and energy independence with their ground breaking Operation Free campaign. Learn more at www.operationfree.net

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Operation Free is a national coalition of US military veterans working to send the message that America’s security relies on ending our addiction to oil and establishing clean, renewable sources of energy. Operation Free is a campaign of the Truman National Security Project.

Washington, D.C. –Gov. Jerry Brown signed the Energy Security Coordination Act (S.B. 1409) into law today, which will direct the governor of research and planning to coordinate energy policies with the U.S. Department of Defense in order to resolve conflicts that might arise in the military’s research, development, and deployment of clean energy in California. The bill, which passed unanimously in the Senate and with only two ‘no’ votes in the Assembly, was sponsored by Operation Free, parent organization of the Truman National Security Project.

In reaction to the signing, Mike Breen, Vice President of the Truman National Security Project and spokesman for the clean energy campaign, Operation Free, released the following statement:

“The State of California and the Department of Defense are already aggressively pursuing policies that strengthen the energy security of the United States by promoting the development of clean, domestic energy sources. Today’s signing of S.B. 1409 into law ensures that California continues to capitalize on every opportunity to assist the Department of Defense in advancing our nation’s energy security objectives, creating new jobs and helping achieve California’s clean energy goals in the process.

“The Veterans of Operation Free applaud the California Legislators on both sides of the aisle who, with their support of S.B. 1409, have shown that energy and climate security aren’t about left or right—they’re about keeping America safe.  In particular, we thank Senators Pavley (Agoura Hills), Correa (Santa Ana), and Lieu (Torrance) for their leadership in authoring this legislation and serving as its champions in the Senate.”

Since 2009, the Truman National Security Project has been the leading voice on highlighting the connection between national security and energy independence with their groundbreaking Operation Free campaign.

Third Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., utilizes solar energy panels to help reduce the need for supplies in the field. © US Dept. of Defense, photo by Lance Cpl. M. C. Nerl

In a stunning display of bipartisanship spearheaded by the Truman National Security Project’s Operation Free campaign, the California State legislature overwhelmingly approved State Senator Fran Pavley’s (D-Agoura Hills) Senate Bill 1409, The Energy Security Coordination Act of 2012.  According to a letter from the DoD, the bill “recognizes the existing partnership between the military and California in the development of renewable energy technology…and large potential for enhancement of this partnership.  With the military’s aggressive renewable energy goals, and California’s leadership and innovation, SB 1409 provides the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) additional tools that will help enable future success.”

By working closely with members of California’s assembly and senate, California clean energy businesses, representatives from California’s military bases, and local veterans, Operation Free helped the state legislature in building a bipartisan coalition that could put energy security needs before party politics.

Now driven by the funding of the DoD, California serves as a national example of what can be accomplished when state politicians reach out across the aisle.  As it has so many times before, California is leading the way in technological innovation, and changing the way we get energy.  It stands as a valuable model that can be adopted nationwide, and will continue to lead the US on its path to develop a clean energy economy that ensures future prosperity and security.

Operation Free is very proud to have sustained involvement in the united effort towards greater energy security. We look forward to continued work with the California legislature, Governor Jerry Brown’s office and the DoD. We’d also like to thank all the OpFree members who worked so hard in helping us pass this pivotal bill.  Together, we’ve made an important impact.

© 2006 Nick Hess

A few days ago, I discussed the wind production tax credit (PTC) and the subsidies involved in making energy industries run. However, one fundamental aspect I did not delve too far into was the wind PTC itself. Before you go memorizing another Washington acronym, let’s look at what it is, and why you should keep it on the radar.

Some two decades ago, it was decided that clean, renewable energies possessed environmental, economic, and energy security benefits. Thus, in a piece of legislation known as the Energy Policy Act of 1992, wind energy, along with a handful of other forms of alternative energy, was taken under the wing of the US government. This federal subsidy provided a 2.2 cent per kilowatt-hour benefit for the first ten years of a renewable energy facility’s operation; more electrical output meant greater funding. Wind energy has since become ten times more cost effective, and is now the fastest growing source of energy on the planet.

Copyright 2012 US Green Technology

Obviously, this growth has been due in great part to the wind farm kickstart provided through federal funding, otherwise known as the wind production tax credit, or PTC. While the tax credit has proven to be highly effective, it is currently in danger of expiring on Dec. 31. In addition, in Congress’ recent continuing resolution, or CR (essentially a legislative ‘snooze button’ that maintains current government spending rates when a bill doesn’t get agreed upon), federal funding for the wind PTC was not included. We were close, but we’ll have to try harder in the coming months if we’d like to continue developing this vital US industry.

The wind PTC is arguably the most significant contributor to wind industry progress, which in turn is one of the fastest growing and potentially competitive industries now in existence. What’s more, oil dependency, which threatens our national security, can be lessened through increased and improved alternative energy technologies.  So in the coming months, try to keep wind PTC on your radar.

© 2008 Loren Zemlicka

There’s plenty to be said about where the future of renewable energy lies. One piece of this puzzle that seems to be under a lot of fire this year is the federal subsidy known as the wind production tax credit (PTC).

Some background to the criticism: A rational economic argument asserts that government subsidies are a form of protectionism in direct conflict with free market principles, and thus lead to market inefficiencies. While there is certainly truth to this statement, its misuse is widespread. This is particularly the case for the oil and gas industry, which has regularly leveraged this laissez-faire stance in its fight against the wind production tax credit (PTC). Is it a valid claim?

The short answer? No, absolutely not. Let’s begin by understanding when and where government subsidies can be effectively used.

First discussed by Alexander Hamilton in his 1790 Report on Manufacturers, government subsidies have historically played a role in the development of the US’s infant industries, from oil and gas to nuclear energy. As these industries develop and gain efficiency, the idea is that they can not only provide thousands of domestic jobs in the process, but can also become self-sustaining and internationally competitive industries that massively expand the domestic economy. This was exactly what was done for coal in the 1800s, oil and gas in the early 20th century, and virtually all innovating energy industries in the US for the past 200 years.

While it would seem logical to do the same for the fast-paced renewable energy industry, big oil argues that this would create artificial (and unfair) competition that would lead to market inefficiency.

Unfair? Let’s look at the numbers. A recent report from venture capital firm DBL investors found that “the American oil, gas, and nuclear industries have cumulatively taken in more than $630 billion, with most of those government subsidies created in the earliest days of those sectors in order to build them up.”  Compare that with the $50 billion in subsidies provided for the renewable energy (wind, solar, biofuels and geothermal) industry.  On top of that, in the first 15 years of each subsidies’ life, the federal commitment to oil and gas was five times greater than the federal commitment to renewables.

Put all of this in light of the fact that big oil has outspent alternative energy four to one in 2012 campaign ads, and one begins to get an idea for the rent-seeking oil industry’s ability to perpetuate its energy dominance.

We know the facts: During the recession, wind energy was one of the very few sectors to add jobs.  Wind energy is not only abundant, but it has the power to provide 20% of the nation’s energy by 2030, along with creating roughly 800,000 jobs in the process.

Subsidies have always played a critical role in the growth and development of energy industry, and there’s no reason not to give wind energy the same treatment. If we hope to reduce unemployment, grow the economy, and come out on top in the fight for energy security, Congress cannot let the wind production tax credit expire.

OHIO’S wind-energy industry has boomed over the past decade, becoming a model for the rest of the country. But that growth — and the jobs it has created — may come to a dead stop at the end of the year, if Congress fails to extend a tax credit the wind industry needs to stay competitive.

Turning our backs on domestic wind power would be wrong. Doing so would all but guarantee more pollution and the destruction of good, high-paying jobs in Ohio and across the country.

The environmental and economic benefits of wind energy are well established. It is a homegrown source of electricity. Along with other forms of renewable energy, it can help us make the transition over coming decades to new, less-polluting ways to power the state and the country.

Ohio ranks fourth in the nation in the number of jobs related to the wind industry, according to a recent report by the American Wind Energy Association. Last year, investments at two wind farms in northwest Ohio — the Blue Creek Wind Farm and the Timber Road II Wind Farm — totaled $775 million.

The economic benefits from the Blue Creek farm in Paulding County are evident. Landowners collect $1.1 million in annual lease payments. The farm has created more than 300 construction jobs and as many as 20 permanent jobs. These figures do not include the manufacturing jobs created in Ohio and elsewhere to build the components the farm uses.

Read the entire article here.

David Foster is president of the BlueGreen Alliance Foundation, a national partnership of labor unions and environmental groups.

The longer you own an electric vehicle, the lower its global warming emissions are likely to become. Why? As some of the oldest, dirtiest coal plants are being retired and investments in renewable electricity increase, the global warming emissions that result from generating a given amount of electricity are estimated to fall nationwide by an average of about 13 percent by 2025.

That means, for 70 percent of Americans, charging their electric vehicle (EV) on the regional electricity grid in 2025 would result in lower global warming emissions than even today’s most efficient gasoline hybrid, the 50 mpg Prius. While that’s good news, it could be even better. By investing in more renewables and retiring more coal plants over the next decade, using electricity as a transportation fuel would deliver even greater global warming benefits than projected.

How will changes in the grid affect the emissions from charging an EV?

To get an idea of how emissions from charging an EV may change in the coming years, I looked to the Annual Energy Outlook updated most recently in June of this year by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The outlook projects changes in the electricity grid expected in the coming years as a result of varying energy demand, regulatory drivers, expected power plant retirements, and other factors.

Using the same well-to-wheels methodology used in our State of Charge report (more on this in the notes below), and the Annual Energy Outlook’s projections for 2025, I estimated how the emissions from charging an EV powered by the grid in 2025 compare to the emissions of a gasoline vehicle. I did this analysis across each of the grid regions across the United States, excluding Hawaii and Alaska for which projections were unavailable.

Read the full article here.

Don Anair is a senior engineer at the Union of Concerned Scientists with expertise on diesel, hybrid and battery electric vehicle, and goods movement technologies and the policies needed to turn them into real solutions for U.S. oil dependence, air pollution and global warming. He holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering.

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus talks to pilots of the Navy’s Green Hornet planes, which are powered by biofuels.

With the launch of the Navy’s ‘Great Green Fleet’ and the Pentagon’s announcement to invest $170 million in biofuel refineries, 2012 looks to be a winning year for renewable energy. Yet, this supposed victory for biofuels is just the conclusion to the first act of the long and weary standoff between Congress and the Pentagon.

Earlier this year, both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed similar measures to restrict the Pentagon from buying renewable fuels that are more expensive than traditional fossil fuels. The Senate Arms Committee decision also prohibited the Department of Defense from building biofuel refineries unless “specifically authorized by law,” which the White House was able to bypass through the Defense Production Act.

Despite the Pentagon moving ahead with the plan for biofuel usage in the military, the ruling nonetheless came as a huge blow to the Navy and Secretary Ray Mabus. Secretary Mabus had repeatedly noted that a dependence on oil as the military’s sole source of energy was a direct threat to our national security and investing in alternate energy sources like biofuels was the solution to this problem. Both houses have been less than enthusiastic about the military’s investments in the alternate sources of energy. During a hearing in February, House Armed Services Seapower subcommittee member Randy Forbes even took a direct jab at Mabus’ plan for a greener Navy, “You’re not the Secretary of the Energy. You’re the Secretary of the Navy.”

Many, including Representatives Forbes, believe that national security simply entails “having more ships, more planes, more prepositioned stocks.” However, they fail to realize that investing in biofuels will not jeopardize the Navy’s ability to equip itself with the latest technology. Biofuels are no different than the latest high tech planes, in that the Navy has deemed them as necessary investments for America’s future security.

It is only natural for Congress to critically scrutinize the actions of executive departments. Yet, some members of Congress fail to realize that a course of action supported by such a large number of the military community may in fact be what is best for the country.

Observing the military’s support for biofuels, it may just be wise to trust the military’s word that renewable energy is not only the future of military technology but also critical to our national security. ”Who would you trust with our national security, Congress or the United States military?

The job creating potential of these industries is much more significant when one notes the number of veterans who enter the industry. While the veteran unemployment rate has fallen to the 9 percent range, the reality for returning veterans is still quite harsh with many struggling to find jobs.

However, many companies have begun recruiting veterans into their workforce with the green sector taking a lead. Over the past few years, renewable energy has become one of the biggest employers of returning veterans, who have found work building wind turbines or installing solar panels.

Veterans are an important part of the green sector workforce as such jobs like the manufacturing or maintenance of wind turbines and solar arrays require skill sets that are similar to those that service members learn during their time in the military. Thus, veterans are as important to the industry as the industry is important to the veterans. And it is for this reason that we must make an effort to protect the green sector.

Coal and natural gas are a significant part of our economy and will continue to remain so. However, it is important to remember that our dependence on traditional forms of energy should not deter us from investing in these alternate sources. Green energy not only creates new jobs but creates jobs for our veterans.

Original Link: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/05/03/supporting-our-troops-better-energy-options

Last night, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta addressed an Environmental Defense Fund reception in honor of the Department of Defense’s leadership in advancing our nation’s security though transformative 21st century clean energy and environmental initiatives.

He remarked that from a security and financial perspective, we have a deep commitment to finding better energy options. For example, reducing the amount of fuel used by our equipment translates to fewer loads for supply convoys, which insurgents have targeted in places like Afghanistan. And the less we spend on fuel and energy, the more we have for other critical defense priorities. That’s why, next year, DoD will invest almost $3 billion in energy efficiency and renewable energy. You can read Secretary Panetta’s remarks here.

For our combat forces, we’re investing in better generators and microgrids for our combat bases, hybrid engines for ships and vehicles, and more efficient aircraft. While some of these investments are long-term, many will result in immediate returns. For example, the Marine Corps’ Experimental Forward Operating Base (ExFOB) has been testing energy efficient and renewable technologies that make the Marines more flexible, agile, and lethal.

3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment deployed in 2010 with first generation ExFOB gear. The results spoke for themselves. The Marines operated two patrol bases solely on renewable energy, reduced energy use by 90 percent at a third base, and executed a three-week foot patrol without battery resupply, reducing load on Marines by 700 lbs. In less than a year, technologies demonstrated at this first ExFOB were deployed widely to combat forces in Afghanistan.

For our bases here at home, we are investing to reducing our costs and improve our energy security.  A key to this is advanced technology.  The Department’s strategic guidance depends on maintaining our historic position as a technology leader – and energy plays a critical part.  It’s why we are using our installations as a test bed for new energy technologies like improved lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, better windows, and new roofs.

Additionally, as the White House announced last month, the Army, Navy, and Air Force have committed to adding about three gigawatts of renewable energy to these bases in the coming years – enough to power 750,000 homes representing one of the largest commitments to clean energy in the Nation’s history.

Finally, here at the Pentagon, I joined Dr. Dorothy Robyn, Deputy Undersecretary for Installations and Environment, in hosting the 2012 Commander in Chief’s award for Installation Excellence yesterday.  The award is the highest honor a military installation can receive and recognizes the efforts of the people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations.  One of the award’s criteria is energy conservation.  In 2011, one of the awardees, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base reduced its utility costs by nearly 8 percent, integrated solar water heaters into new construction projects, and retro-commissioned five facilities for a 30 percent reduction in energy use.

Other awardees include Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL; Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Depot San Joaquin, TX; Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, CA; and Fort Steward/Hunter Army Airfield, GA.  These installations have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to our energy savings strategy and are saving taxpayers millions of dollars each year in energy costs.

Improving our energy and environmental security helps our troops better carry out their mission – to defend the nation.  As DoD’s chief buyer, that’s why I’m interested in finding the best energy technologies to meet these needs.

Frank Kendall is the Acting Undersecretary for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics at the Department of Defense.

Log on to www.windenergysecurity.com and sign the petition calling on Congress to extend the Wind Production Tax Credit.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2012

CONTACT
Stephanie Dreyer, (914) 715-6087

VETERANS: RGGI IS GOOD FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
In anticipation of today’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee meeting of the New Hampshire Senate on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Operation Free veteran Michael Breen, Vice President of the Truman National Security Project, released the following statement:

“As a native of the Granite State and a former Captain in the US Army, I strongly believe that participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) means a stronger New Hampshire and a stronger America.

Oil heats more than half of New Hampshire’s homes during the winter, and New Hampshire ranks fourth in the country in energy costs. And oil isn’t just expensive; it’s dangerous. America’s addiction to this single source of fuel – an addiction that Osama bin Laden referred to as America’s “Achilles heel” – drains our economy and enables our enemies.

Recognizing this weakness, our military is already developing the next generation of secure, clean energy sources. Because one in every 24 fuel convoys through the mountains of Afghanistan leads to an American casualty, the Army and Marine Corps are using solar panels on the front lines to reduce the need for oil. The Navy is preparing to sail a carrier strike group – the “Great Green Fleet” – purely on biofuels by 2016. And efficiency renovations in buildings ranging from base gymnasiums to the Pentagon itself mean the military is using less energy and less money to run its operations.

Through RGGI, New Hampshire has the opportunity to tap into that innovative spirit. New Hampshire can create jobs, keep energy costs down, and keep American service members safe by leading the country in these technologies. But to do that, our civilian leaders must match the military’s commitment to energy security. I strongly encourage the New Hampshire Senate to continue the Granite State’s membership in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.”

Operation Free is a coalition of veterans that advocate for clean, renewable energy security. Learn more at www.OperationFree.net. Operation Free is a campaign of the Truman National Security Project.

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The Ground Systems Power and Energy Lab (GSPEL) will support the Army Green Warrior Convoy, which will be used to test fuel cell, alternative fuel and other green friendly technologies.

And the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) launched a competition today challenging the best scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs of our country to improve civilian and military accessible energy storage devices. It’s a battle of the brightest to create more effective energy storage for war equipment. Improved reliability of military aircraft generators, reduced need for fuel convoys, and new generations of hybrid vehicles have already been achieved thanks to ARPA-E’s technologies.

Photo Courtesy of  The U.S. Army via Flickr

The Department of Defense also announced today one of the largest commitments to clean energy in history. By 2025, three gigawatts of wind, biomass and geothermal renewable energy will be developed on Army, Navy, and Air Force installations. This effort will help the Air Force, Navy and Army attain their goal of developing one gigawatt renewable energy each by 2016, 2020 and 2025, respectively.  The use of alternative energies ensures that our troops can continue to function even when the U.S. electricity grid is down.

Our troops are on the path to being less dependent on foreign oil, thus ensuring more combat effectiveness overseas. The dollars saved at the gas pump for American civilians is an added bonus. Coupled with President Obama’s challenge to the Departments of Navy, Energy and Agriculture to accelerate the creation of drop-in biofuels for not only military but commercial use as well, the entire nation is now progressing towards better energy security.

Lt. Gen. John G. Castellaw, USMC (ret.) served as deputy commandant for Marine Corps Aviation from 2005 to 2007. He is a member of the Consensus for American Security and the president of the Crockett Policy Institute. He lives on the family farm near Alamo, Tenn.” He can be followed on Twitter at @CrockettPolicy

Ken Bossong, Executive Director of the SUN DAY Campaign, said

“The investments in sustainable energy made by the federal government as well as state and private funders have paid off handsomely, underscoring the short-sightedness of emerging proposals to slash or discontinue such support.”

The figures highlight the success clean energy investment, and show that the money being spent on renewable energy isn’t going to waste. The industry isn’t just growing, but booming.

Photo courtesy of EEO

What these figures mean for the economy, however, is just as good. All of that growth creates jobs here in America. And like the energy those jobs provide, employment in the renewable market is a long term solution for thousands of Americans who are getting involved in a young, growing market. Whether you agree with where the money is spent or not, these policies have expanded and energized a niche in the economy, laying the foundation for a new American energy industry.

Traditionally, the approach taken by the Air Force has been to avoid the placement of turbines in areas which cause significant radar disruption whenever possible. Since radar systems only “see” objects that are in their line of sight, positioning turbines in valleys or behind hills means the turbines have no impact on military readiness.

photo: US Air Force/Lance Cheung via flickr.

One of the more promising solutions is the development of hardware and software modifications. Through the use of more sensitive hardware and specially designed programming, it is possible to greatly reduce the impact of turbines on radar equipment. The British Ministry of Defense conducted tests in 2005, observed by U.S. DoD officials, which showed that these kinds of technological improvements can drastically reduce the impact of turbines on radar systems.

Dr. Dorothy Robyn, Deputy Under-Secretary of Defense, Installations, and Environment, stated that

“The wind turbine radar interference problem is a serious problem, but it is a largely solvable problem. Our country should not have to choose between national security and the development of renewable energy.”

Both the Department of Defense and the Air Force are committed to wind energy. And they believe it is not only an effective energy source, but compatible with our national security interests.