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Wind turbines help Air Force go green
by Senior Master Sgt. David Byron
Air Force Public Affairs Agency

10/28/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) – Under Secretary of the Air Force Erin C. Conaton visited the Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) in Cape Cod, Mass., today, for a ribbon cutting ceremony for two new wind turbines.Wind Turbine located on the JBCC

The 1.5 megawatt wind turbines, in addition to an existing turbine, were built to offset electrical costs for powering numerous groundwater cleanup systems at the reservation.

The turbines will pay for all the Air Force’s electric needs for groundwater remediation at JBCC, saving more than $1.5 million per year. They will also offset emissions generated by fossil-fueled power plants, reducing the Air Force’s carbon footprint.

 “The future is bright for environmental clean-up, renewable energy and energy conservation at the Massachusetts Military Reservation,” Conaton said.  “As Air Force missions expand and change over time, we will be integrating the full spectrum of energy considerations into our facility design and construction projects and into our mission operations.”

As the Air Force Under Secretary, Conaton is responsible for ensuring the Air Force has what it needs to perform its missions in Wind Turbine Ribbon Cutting Ceremonysupport of national security. Dependence on fossil fuels can be a liability in both supply and cost, generating the need to decrease demand and diversify supply sources. The wind turbine project is an example of an Air Force initiative to meet this need.

“The Air Force currently operates 85 on-base renewable energy projects at 43 installations, playing a significant role in the national strategy to establish greater energy security via conservation and alternative energy use,” Conaton said.

According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports, the Air Force is the third largest purchaser of green power in the federal government.

“The Air Force values and respects the natural resources placed in our trust; this is the environment where we live, train and operate,” Conaton said. “Every Airman must protect and conserve these resources for the benefit of present and future mission requirements, and for the benefit of present and future generations.”



 

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Mission Statement:  The Energy Committee is comprised of representatives of various Commands and tenants.  The purpose of the committee is to facilitate energy conservation and use of renewable energy technologies in order to reduce operational costs and minimize the carbon bootprint.  Goals include increasing energy awareness through education; help meet the intent of Executive Order 13514; and advise the Joint Oversight Group on matters related to the JBCC Energy Policy.

The Energy Committee was established to oversee the following:

  • Meet Executive Orders (13514, 13123 and 13423)
  • Reduce impact on environment
  • Reduce costs associated with energy use (i.e. save taxpayer's dollars)
  • Reduce dependence on foreign oil
  • Raise awareness/educate
  • Review renewable energy projects under the JBCC Alternative Energy Planning Policy

Membership:

  • Air Force: 6th Space Warning Squadron
  • Air National Guard: 102nd IW (CE/EMO/Comm)
  • Army National Guard, including Environmental & Readiness Center
  • Coast Guard
  • Air Force Civil Engineering Center (AFCEC)
    Installation Restoration Program
  • Senior Environmental Corps
  • USDA
  • VA Cemetery

Alternative Energy Planning

Executive Order 13514 - Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance


Related Links:

Department of Energy
Cape Light Compact
MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
MA Department of Environmental Protection
MA Clean Energy Center
Cape & Islands Self-Reliance
Consumer Energy Tips

 
Energy Committee Meeting Minutes:
 
 
 
Wind Turbine