Operational Energy

The top Democrat and Republican on the House Armed Services Committee want Defense Secretary Robert Gates to include "operational energy" in the Pentagon's nascent effort to find budgetary efficiencies in DOD operations.

In a letter Reps. Ike Skelton (D-MO) and Buck McKeon (R-CA) sent to Gates yesterday, the lawmakers write:

In 2009, operational energy accounted for 70 percent of all energy use by the Department of Defense at a cost of $9.34 billion, which makes it a prime area for achieving efficiencies. There are many options for achieving energy efficiencies and supplementing power through renewable energy alternatives, tactical waste-to-energy initiatives, insulation for structures, and other innovative ideas. For example, according to a U.S. Army briefing in July 2009, the average fuel consumption of a foamed building in Baghdad was 4,839 gallons per year as compared to an unfoamed building which used 10,690 gallons a year. This is a fuel savings of 55 percent. This low-technology solution results in significant and demonstrated cost savings, particularly in a region like Afghanistan where the Fully Burdened Cost of Fuel is more than $200 a gallon at isolated forward operating bases.

The focus on operational energy has been a sustained priority for our Committee, most notably recognized in our creating the position of Director of Operational Energy Plans and Programs in Section 139b of Title 10, United States Code. We commend the appointment and arrival of Ms. Sharon Burke as the new Director to provide leadership, conduct oversight, and be accountable for operational energy plans and programs in the Department of Defense and the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

While we understand the need to exercise great care when adopting new technologies and procedures in the midst of a conflict, we encourage you to seriously consider prudent ways to reduce the need for fuel on the battlefield. We believe there are ample opportunities and technological solutions to reduce our energy footprint in theater which will reduce the logistical and security burdens on our troops. As part of the broader effort to identify efficiencies within the Department, we request an update prior to delivery of the President’s fiscal year 2012 budget request detailing the Department's plan to reduce operational energy through technology and culture change, the approximate savings that may be achieved, approximate funding required, timeline for deployment, and cross-service efforts to maximize investments. We look forward to hearing greater detail on this critical issue.