Defend America with clean energy bills
Our heroic service members are in harm’s way each day they wear the uniform of the United States military. Around the globe, they defend our national security interests so that we can be safer here at home.
America’s fighting men and women signed up for this because they care for our country and want to keep it stronger for future generations. Yet in the face of this enormous sacrifice, our troops encounter perils beyond wildest imagination, threats that undoubtedly can and must be prevented. In order to make this happen, Senators must start leading and work to end our addiction to oil.
Our forces deployed the Middle East are all too familiar with IEDs – Improvised Explosive Devices – which have killed many military personnel and countless numbers of innocent civilians. My lieutenant was a victim of such an IED during one of our convoys in Afghanistan. His Humvee exploded just two vehicles in front of me. And the newest, and most deadly of these weapons are called EFPs, or Explosively Formed Projectiles. Able to penetrate our best armor, these roadside bombs are brutally effective.
These deadly weapons are being paid for by oil money and came to Iraq from oil-rich Iran. In fact, for every $1 increase in the price of a gallon of gas, Iran makes another $1.5 billion to use against our soldiers. The connection between energy, our national security, and the sacrifices made by our military couldn’t be more obvious. Our reliance on their vast oil reserves enriches the extremists who directly threaten our military and way of life.
One of the best ways everyday Americans can decrease our dependence is by driving more fuel efficient cars. It will save America billions in oil money sent overseas and each of us thousands in the cost of running our cars. That’s exactly what the Environmental Protection Agency’s new rules on car fuel efficiency, due out in October, will accomplish – and it’s why their action is so important.
The Department of the Defense, the CIA, and the National Intelligence Council have all noted that energy security and climate change pose significant strategic threats to America’s strength and safety. From the vulnerability of our oil supply, to the threat of weak nations destabilized by climate disruptions, we are threatened by our continued use of dirty energy from dangerous places.
The US Senate failed to act on comprehensive energy legislation this summer, which is why the EPA’s action on car efficiency is all the more important. It is time for us to staunch the flow of money landing in the hands of our enemies by making cars more efficient, and creating the jobs that come with new technology innovation. This is a major opportunity to begin to free us from oil dependence, strengthen Missouri’s economy, and prevent the long-term impact of climate change. From both sides of the aisle and all parts of the country, veterans are speaking out in support of clean energy– not because of environmental reasons, but because our dependence on oil and carbon pollution pose a threat to our national security.
Our brave men and women in our armed forced have displayed unparalleled signs of courage and conviction in the face of adversity. Lawmakers in Washington can honor their commitment and stand with the men and women of our armed forces to prevent more oil-funded attacks by supporting the EPA’s strong action. This is not rocket science; it is an issue of paramount importance to support our troops, defend our nation and de-fund our enemies. After all our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have done for America, this is the least we can ask of our Senators.
Jason Whitaker is an Afghanistan war veteran who grew-up in Warrensburg and Knob Noster, MO. He is currently a member of Operation Free – a coalition of veterans advocating for clean American energy.
Google+
Share
Tweet
Comments