High-ranking military leaders have concluded that the economic vulnerability caused by America’s continued reliance on fossil fuels is a threat to national security.
- In a report released May 2009, a panel of some of the highest-ranking retired military officials in the country found that the country’s energy posture constitutes a serious and urgent threat to national security – militarily, diplomatically and economically. “There is a relationship between the major challenges we’re facing,” said former U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gordon R. Sullivan in the report. “Energy, security, economics, climate change – these things are connected.”
- “Price volatility is not limited to oil – natural gas and coal prices also experienced huge spikes in the last year. While these resources may be plentiful, they are increasingly difficult to access, and have associated impacts, such as slurry spills. The economic and environmental costs are steep,” said General Charles “Chuck” Wald, a member of the CNA Military Advisory Board.
- Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn (USN, Retired) testified to Congress recently that “our economic, energy, climate change and national security challenges are intertwined and co-dependent. Our past pattern of energy use is responsible, in no small measure, for our economic situation today. If we do not adequately address our nation’s growing energy demand and climate change now, in wise and visionary ways, future financial crises will most certainly dwarf this one.”
We are Indiana business leaders who believe that Indiana has an extraordinary opportunity to become a leader in the construction of renewable energy and energy efficient systems, and the manufacturing of component of such systems. We are committed to advancing policy that will accelerate the development of these sectors in Indiana.
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Header image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/roundaboutindy/