Congress Are You Listening? DOD Energy Leader Needed Now

February 12, 2010

Print This Article Share it With Friends

by Paul Bollinger (The DOD Energy Blog) It appears that the Obama Administration is close to formally announcing a nominee for the Department of Defense (DOD) Director of Operational Energy Plans and Programs. The Director of this office will have the opportunity to significantly impact the energy security for our military and the entire country, which makes swift confirmation by the Senate all the more important. ...Though both parties continue to rail against our dependence on foreign oil, Sharon Burke of CNAS was nominated in 2009 for the position, but still awaits Senate confirmation.

...The unfunded federal mandates for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and alternative fuels are coming out of current military budgets during a time of war.

...The major issues that merit immediate attention are:

Define “Energy Security” and what it is worth to the military and fund it. The DOD budget is facing pressure from all sides; the ability to implement energy security programs for installations or efficiency Key Performance Parameters for tactical equipment acquisition will become secondary when weighed against “higher mission critical priorities.”
Establish long-term contracting authority for domestically produced synthetic or alternative fuels. This authority would enable the Defense Energy Support Center to contract with the private sector for clean, synthetic or alternative fuels; and, for industry to finance the construction of plants with favorable financing. (Current law limits DESC to five-year contract authority with five, one-year options.) READ MORE

Paul P. Bollinger Jr. was the first Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Energy and Partnerships; and, the former Special Assistant to the Senior Energy Executive in the Air Force during President George W. Bush’s Administration. He is an Adjunct Energy Fellow at the National Defense University.