Senators Question Military Leaders About Energy Use and Climate Change
Today, a group of senators will ask top military officials about how the U.S. Department of Defense is working to use less energy and take care of the environment. This important meeting is being held by the Senate Armed Services Readiness and Management Support Subcommittee. The main goal is to find out what the military is doing to manage energy use, deal with climate challenges, and protect the environment at its bases across the country and around the world.
Meeting With Key Military Leaders
Several high-ranking officials will answer the senators’ questions. These leaders are responsible for making sure the Army, Navy, and Air Force are using energy wisely and keeping their facilities safe from environmental dangers. The people who will speak at the hearing include:
- Richard Kidd, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Environment and Energy Resilience
- Paul Farnan, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment
- Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment
- Edwin Oshiba, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations and Environment
Military’s Energy Use and Climate Risks
The U.S. military uses more energy than any other part of the federal government. It has thousands of bases and buildings that need electricity, fuel, and water to operate every day. Because of this, the Department of Defense is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the country. These gases can trap heat in the atmosphere and cause the planet to warm, which leads to climate change.
At the same time, many military bases are facing new dangers from climate change, such as:
- Extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires
- Rising sea levels that can damage coastal bases
- Heatwaves and droughts that impact training and everyday operations
Biden Administration’s Focus on Climate Change
President Biden has made fighting climate change a major part of his national security plan. The Defense Department has written several reports saying that climate change is a real threat to America’s safety and military strength. The military has promised to reduce its carbon emissions, use more clean energy, and build new projects that can last through tough weather conditions.
Some of the goals set by the military include:
- Lowering greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, planes, and buildings
- Improving energy efficiency by using better technology and building designs
- Switching to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power
- Preparing for the impacts of climate change on operations and missions
Dealing With Old Pollution and New Projects
Senators are also worried about pollution left behind from past military activities. One big concern is PFAS, a group of toxic chemicals that can harm human health and have been found at many military sites. Lawmakers will ask what is being done to clean up these dangerous chemicals and make sure communities near bases are safe.
Another major topic will be how the military builds new facilities. Senators want to make sure any new buildings, runways, or housing are built to handle future weather challenges and do not harm the environment. They want to see that taxpayer money is spent wisely and that the military is doing its part to fight climate change.
Making the Military Ready for the Future
This hearing is part of Congress’s larger effort to make sure all government agencies are taking the climate crisis seriously. Lawmakers believe that the military must set an example for the rest of the country in how it uses energy and protects the planet.
Some questions the senators are likely to ask include:
- How much progress has the Department of Defense made in cutting emissions?
- What new technologies are being used to save energy?
- How are bases preparing for storms, floods, and other climate dangers?
- What is being done to clean up PFAS and other pollution?
- Are new buildings and equipment designed to last in a changing climate?
Watching the Hearing
The hearing will begin at 2:30 p.m. and will be shown live on the Senate committee’s website so that anyone interested can watch. This event is expected to bring important answers about how the U.S. military is preparing for a future where energy use and the environment will be even more important to national security.
As climate change becomes a bigger issue around the world, the choices made by the Department of Defense could set a standard for other parts of the government and help protect both the environment and American communities for years to come.
