Pentagon Hopes To Reduce Foreign Oil Dependence: Report

Air Force leaders hope to use domestically produced synthetic fuel for half of its at-home consumption by 2016.Pentagon Hopes To Reduce Foreign Oil Dependence: ReportBy Cliff Montgomery – July 21st, 2007A June 15th, 2007 Congressional Research Service report discussed the ways in which the Defense Department’s aviation sectors may reduce its reliance on fossil-based fuels.In these days of oil scarcity and the fuel’s obvious ties to Middle Eastern countries that support terrorist groups, it only makes sense for the Pentagon to tackle an issue affecting us all.We quote from this timely report below:“The Department of Defense (DOD) is a factor in the nation’s discussion about national energy security. As the largest single consumer of fuel in the United States, DOD has the potential to make important contributions to the national effort to reduce the use of and reliance on fossil fuel.”Aviation fuel makes up the largest portion of fossil fuel consumed by DOD and therefore represents the area of greatest potential energy savings.”This report examines DOD’s use of aviation fuel and possibilities to reduce that use by examining related issues and presenting options Congress may choose to consider.”Reducing DOD’s consumption of aviation fuel could by itself significantly reduce the department’s overall reliance on fossil fuel. In Fiscal Year 2005, DOD consumed roughly 125 million barrels of oil–approximately 1.2% of the nation’s total. About 74% of that was used to power mobility vehicles–Air Force aircraft, Navy ships, and Army ground vehicles. Over half (roughly 52% ) was aviation fuel.”(Note: aviation fuel is also used in “non-aircraft” systems such as tanks and generators in order to reduce logistics requirements on the battlefield.)”There are several ways in which DOD can reduce its use of fossil-based aviation fuel. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and no single option provides the perfect solution.”Advanced technologies, such as synthetic fuels, offer potential alternatives but further development and study are required before DOD can employ them on a large scale.”DOD can also take measures to decrease its use of fuel. Possible options include upgrading aircraft engines and modifying operational procedures. Many of these measures, however, are costly and must compete for funding with other operational priorities.”DOD, like other federal agencies, has had to comply with a series of mandates to decrease energy use through efficiencies in facilities and increase the use of renewable forms of energy. President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act in August 2005, and issued Executive Order 13423 in January 2007 both of which update and generally make more stringent existing energy conservation measures for installations and non-tactical vehicles such as passenger sedans.”Congress also recognizes that DOD has a role to play in the nation’s quest for alternative energy sources. Language contained in the FY2007 Defense Authorization and Appropriations Acts requires DOD to report to Congress on their actions to reduce consumption of fossil fuel, increase the energy efficiency of their weapon platforms, and explore the use of synthetic fuel made from coal.”Additional proposed legislation would require DOD to further study coal as a fuel source and would remove certain DOD contracting restrictions viewed as a potential obstacle to synthetic fuel development.”DOD, the largest single consumer of energy in the United States, recognizes the need to reduce its reliance on fossil fuel. For a number of years, the department has been making steady progress at decreasing their use of fossil fuels on their installations and in their facilities. But following the sharp rise in oil prices after Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, DOD stepped-up its examination of fuel use in weapon systems.”DOD has publicly expressed its intention to devote resources to this issue: Air Force leadership has stated a goal of using domestically produced synthetic fuel for half of its domestic aviation fuel by 2016.”At the present time, however, DOD does not seem to have a comprehensive long-term energy strategy or centralized leadership focused on energy issues for the department. This may affect the department’s ability to achieve its long-term energy goals.”Like what you’re reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of thee-newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!