(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael C. Nerl/Released)
ASP’s BGen. Cheney & LtGen. Seip on Renewables & National Security
ASP’s CEO BGen. Stephen Cheney and ASP Board Member LtGen. Norm Seip wrote an op-ed in the Virginian-Pilot titled, Norm Seip & Stephen Cheney: Protect national security and create jobs, explaining how renewable energy saves taxpayers money, creates jobs for veterans, and protects our national security. The op-ed highlights the clear threat that arises from military bases losing power; something that occurred about 127 times for 8 hours or more in 2015. Already military bases have begun to implement renewables at various bases across the country; David-Monthan base in Arizona being just one example.
The transition to clean energy also drives employment. Cheney and Seip note that at least 3 million people already work in the field. In addition, 10% of the national workforce for renewables and energy efficiency are veterans. With plenty of room to grow, the solar industry has pledged to employ over 50,000 veterans by 2020.
Cheney and Seip explain that plans like the White House’s “America First Energy Plan” put fossil fuels first to the detriment of our national security. They end the article pointing out that,
“You don’t need to agree that climate change is a serious issue to see why it makes sense to have an independent supply of home-grown energy that creates jobs…Advancing our energy resources boosts our nation’s readiness and resilience. That benefits everyone.”
The full article is available here.
For more on how renewable energy benefits our national security, check out ASP’s program on Energy Security here.
