Military Advisory Board Urges Action to Cut U.S. Oil Dependence

Biofuel critics and petroleum boosters have been on the rise in Congress –a big change in the political climate from five years ago when the Energy Independence and Security Act was enacted. While the political realities may have changed in Washington, the compelling need to reduce U.S. oil dependence has not. This point is underscored in a recent report from the CNA Military Advisory Board.

“Ensuring America’s Freedom of Movement: A National Security Imperative to Reduce America’s Oil Dependence” finds that: 1) U.S. dependence on petroleum constitutes a national security threat; 2) a 30 percent reduction in petroleum use over the next ten years would significantly reduce U.S. vulnerability to global supply disruptions; 3) using less petroleum and improving fuel efficiency are critical parts of a comprehensive energy security strategy; and 4) developing and deploying alternative transportation fuels should also be part of a such a strategy. The Military Advisory Board was established in 2006 by the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) and is comprised of 13 retired three- and four-star generals and admirals.

The report emphasizes that producing more petroleum either domestically or in concert with neighboring countries or friendly allies will not secure the United States from potential global supply disruptions or price volatility and the associated harm to U.S. strategic and economic security. Domestic oil prices are tied to global supply and demand. Only reducing total dependence on petroleum will advance national security.

The report recommends greater leadership from the federal government to promote fuel efficiency and alternative fuels, the development of a comprehensive strategic roadmap toward energy security, and continued funding and policy support for Department of Defense initiatives to develop alternative fuels. Swift and urgent action to reduce petroleum dependence is needed.