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PERSPECTIVE: Renewable Energy Systems: Viable Options for Contingency Operations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 November 2007

Gordon D. Kuntz
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Abstract

The strategic importance of the United States having an unimpeded source of energy is becoming ever more crucial. The significance of energy and the need for greater energy responsibility by the US have been identified in several State-of-the-Union Addresses. President Bush's 2006 State-of-the-Union Address stated that “America is addicted to oil” and encouraged federal agencies to lead the way in developing more reliable alternative energy programs. In July 2006, Major General Richard Zilmer, Chief of Multi-National Forces West, identified a crucial need for “a self-sustainable energy solution” available for use by US forces in Iraq. Use of renewable energy systems is one way to help decrease dependency on fossil fuels and offer Warfighters alternative sources of energy to accomplish their mission. This article explores the institutional impediments that prevent the Army from increasing its use of renewable energy systems in Contingency Operations and makes recommendations to overcome those barriers in order to enhance use of renewable energy, thereby becoming less dependent on foreign oil.The views expressed in this manuscript are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Defense or any of its agencies.

Environmental Practice 9:157–161 (2007)

Type
POINTS OF VIEW
Information
Environmental Practice , Volume 9 , Issue 3 , September 2007 , pp. 157 - 161
Copyright
© 2007 National Association of Environmental Professionals

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