The U.S. military, often accused of being insensitive to environmental concerns, has announced an aggressive renewable energy and recycling plan that will make them one of the world's biggest investors in renewable energy.
The armed forces of the United States are the world's largest consumer of fossil fuels. A new plan announced May 17, however, will also make them the world's largest investor in renewable energy. This process has been progressing for a while, as the Army, Navy and Air Force build solar arrays, which are already improving the life of American soldiers.
Rhone Resch, SEIA president and CEO of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) said in a press release, "After using solar energy on military bases and in the field, many returning servicemen and servicewomen are finding great career opportunities at solar firms. Many other veterans have started firms of their own."
The cost of transporting fuel around the globe can increase fuel costs up to $400 a gallon. The total energy bill for the American military in 2011 was $19.3 billion dollars. This plan calls for the military to provide 25 percent of their energy use through renewable means by the year 2025.
Fuel trucks are a favorite target for insurgents in Afghanistan and Iraq, meaning that solar power will save U.S. lives.
Rear Admiral Frank Ponds, Navy Commander in Hawaii, said, "[W]e are stronger, safer and less vulnerable when we embrace renewable energy and support sustainability -- in all of our communities."
At present, the combined military has installed enough solar generators at enough military bases to provide 130 megawatts of electricity in 31 states. This is enough energy to provide 22,000 average homes with power.
Meeting the goal of providing a quarter of the military energy use through renewable means will also provide a great reduction in their carbon footprint as well, which is currently about three times that of Wal-Mart.
The Navy leads the way in replacing fossil fuels with renewables, and they doubled the goal of the other three branches. They intend to get 50% of their energy from wind and solar power within 12 years.
This news could give a whole new meaning to the phrase "Army green."
