Operation Free critique US House action in restricting DoD energy security investments

In Washington, Operation Free co-founder Michael Breen responded to passage of a series of amendments to the House’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act that constrains the Department of Defense (DoD) from investing in energy security initiatives.

The amendments from Rep. Conaway of Texas were:

1) A repeat of the Senate amendment from last year that says DoD cannot construct or retrofit biorefineries without express authorization from Congress

2) A new amendment saying DoD can only procure or produce fuels if they are cost equivalent to conventional fuels or if sequestration is resolved

3) A repeat of the amendment exempting DoD from Section 526 of the 2007 EISA

4) A new amendment prohibiting the service branches from pursuing LEED standards if the investment is not fully offset by energy conservation.

Energy Efficiency: While the FY14 NDAA commends the Department for making energy efficiency a priority, the FY14 NDAA prohibits the services from pursuing LEED standards if the investment is not fully offset by the amount of energy conserved. The Secretary is prohibited from refurbishing or constructing new biofuel facilities unless specifically authorized by Congress, and DOD is only permitted to produce or procure biofuels if their cost is equivalent to conventional fuels or if sequestration is resolved. The provision provides an exemption to protect research and development funds. The NDAA exempts DOD from Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

Breen, a former U.S. Army captain and co-founder of the clean energy campaign, Operation Free, said:  “We are disappointed by the provisions adopted by the House Armed Services Committee which impact DoD’s energy security initiatives.  Our military leaders have been clear: developing next generation fuels and using energy smarter are national security imperatives.  The military is developing technologies that are promoting energy security here at home and enhancing the mission capability of our deployed forces.  Congress should listen to our military leaders who have stated that these investments are crucial for strengthening our national and economic security.”

Texas Republican Mike Conaway said, “I am pleased that the committee adopted several amendments I introduced that would remove energy restrictions on the Defense Department, give the department flexibility in choosing energy sources, and eliminate wasteful green energy subsidies. One such amendment would end the DoD’s prohibition on purchasing synthetic fuels derived from unconventional hydrocarbons. This would allow the department to purchase domestically sourced fuel from any source that fits its operational and strategic needs, including fuel from conventional oil, coal, shale oil, heavy crude, or biofuels. The current ban has made our military more reliant on oil imported from unfriendly nations, and this amendment ensures that our military has the flexibility it needs to meet its tactical and operational needs and bolster our national security.”