WASHINGTON, 29 Nov. 2012. It is increasingly important to find domestically produced crude oil alternatives to improve the United States’ energy security, meet global energy demands, and provide jobs, while strengthening its military and domestic industry, affirms a coalition of industry associations that includes Airlines for America, the Advanced Biofuels Association, and the National Biodiesel Board.
Adopting advanced “drop-in” biofuels will help the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) achieve broader national security objectives, the coalition explains. “Over-reliance on oil puts U.S. troops at risk of supply disruptions during military or humanitarian missions. Moreover, the oil market is unpredictable and the price per barrel of oil often fluctuates dramatically, which can have a significant impact on military budgets. The DOD’s partnership with private industry is a critical step toward achieving these goals.”
The coalition supports the amendment offered by the U.S. Senate, enabling continued research and testing of fuels that provide U.S. forces with enhanced military capability.
In fiscal years 2011 and 2012, the DOD came up $5.6 billion short in its budget for military operations and maintenance because it spent more on fuel than anticipated. For every $0.25 increase in the price of a gallon of oil, DOD incurs over $1 billion in additional fuel costs, adds the coalition of organizations representing farmers who grow energy crops, the advanced biofuels industry which converts feedstocks into drop-in fuels, the customers who procure the fuels, and national security organizations.
The coalition thanks Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) and other co-sponsors for introducing what it calls “an important amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013.”
The coalition includes:
Advanced Biofuels Association
Airlines for America
American Farm Bureau Federation
Biotechnology Industry Organization
Growth Energy
National Biodiesel Board
Truman Project
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