The U.S.' addiction to oil must be curbed. Not only is the cost for foreign crude oil extravagant – an average of $28.5 billion a month – but the security implications have proven detrimental to U.S. foreign policy objectives. Furthermore, the nation’s electrical grid system presents another national security risk, as it is outdated and vulnerable to accidents or deliberate attacks. The Center for Naval Analysis' Military Advisory Board (MAB) thus argues in their May 2009 report "Powering America’s Defense: Energy and the Risks to National Security" that America’s dependence on oil weakens national security. According to U.S. Senators Richard Lugar and John Kerry the report "offers a thoughtful examination of the interrelationship between national security, energy, and climate change, and the ways in which our military can improve its effectiveness and help safeguard our soldiers through energy innovation."

Attacks on oil distribution and transport facilities demonstrate the overall vulnerability of the current energy infrastructure. The tremendous energy demand of the Army itself poses a crucial security risk. The report focuses on ways in which the military can become more efficient and less reliant on oil. The MAB therefore outlines six priorities in an investment roadmap for energy alternatives while mitigating climate change. Since the Department of Defense (DoD) is the single largest energy consumer in the United States, the MAB advises that they should take a leading role in mitigation, by understanding their carbon 'bootprint' and initiating the implementation of these priorities. Such leadership can result in a transformation of the overall U.S. energy system. The report points out, that although investing in renewable energy is costly in terms of time, money and dedication, the economic returns will outweigh the costs of maintaining the status quo. Ultimately, renewable energy will strengthen the environment, employment and national security. (Jeanette Allan)



For the report, please see http://www.cna.org/nationalsecurity/energy/



For the remarks by the U.S. Senators Lugar and Kerry, please see http://www.cna.org/documents/2009-05-18 CNA Dear Colleague.pdf

Published in: ECC-Newsletter, June 2009