Green military marches on

By Chris Bast
Climate Solutions

While partisan battles have been raging in the other Washington over Department of Defense efforts to use clean energy as a major weapon in the fight to keep America safe and secure, military leaders, in cooperation with businesses and clean energy advocates, are moving forward to address the worldwide and domestic threats posed by our dependence on fossil fuels. Many leading experts believe that defense demand is the biggest single factor driving markets for cleaner technologies today.

Thanks to the many of you who came to our business leaders briefing on Clean Energy and the US Military last month that featured Congressmen Smith and Inslee in addition to some top current and former military leaders.

Following up on that success, we're excited to partner with the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition to host the Pacific Northwest Clean Technology Defense Symposium in Tacoma on April 26.  As part of their global effort to combat climate change and secure our country's future, the Department of Defense has put in place a number of policies and goals to make all of their installations more sustainable. Whether you are a business already working with the military, or you’re a clean technology firm looking to expand your opportunities, this event will provide specific information on the military's needs and how you can navigate their procurement systems.

After you sign up for the symposium, check out some timely news on the military's quest to build a leaner, cleaner, and greener military:

• Read a wrap-up of our business briefing with Congressmen Smith and Inslee.

• Yesterday's release from the White House announcing, among other things, a commitment from DoD to deploy 3 GW of renewable energy by 2025, and progress on the effort to create advanced, drop-in fuels for aviation and other sectors.

With yesterday's announcement, it's more obvious than ever that the military will be a major driver of the clean economy.  In the Pacific Northwest we're well positioned to leverage our great clean technology sector with a major military presence - a target rich environment for many clean tech business opportunities!

 I hope to see you soon at the Pacific Northwest Clean Technology Defense Symposium!