Department of Defense Energy Strategy

"The United States has a national security problem that involves energy security, and the Department of Defense (DOD) has a unique interest in this problem. The United States imports 26 percent of its total energy supply and 56 percent of its oil. The DOD is the largest single consumer of energy in the United States, and energy is the key enabler of United States (US) military combat power. Huge energy consumption, increased competition for limited energy supplies, ever-increasing energy costs, and no comprehensive energy strategy or oversight of energy issues in the DOD have created vulnerabilities. These include potential fuel and electricity supply disruptions and foreign policy and economic vulnerability. The DOD needs a comprehensive energy strategy and an organizational structure to implement a strategy to improve national security by decreasing US dependence on foreign oil, ensure access to critical energy requirements, maintain or improve combat capability, promote research for future energy security, be fiscally responsible to the American taxpayer, and protect the environment. This strategy can be implemented through leadership and culture change, innovation and process efficiencies, reduced demand, and increased/ diversified energy sources."--Abstract.