US military to run on 50:50 biofuels mix
According to Obama these energy strategies will not only help protect the environment, but will also go towards protecting national security.
He said: ‘Our military leaders recognise the security imperative of increasing the use of alternative fuels, decreasing energy use, reducing reliance on imported oil and making ourselves more energy-efficient.’
Speaking at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, US, the president called for 50% or more alternative fuels to be used in all Navy planes, vehicles and ships within the next decade.
The Green Hornet, a Navy F-18 fighter jet, is scheduled to fly on Earth Day and will be the first plane to fly faster than the speed of sound powered by a 50:50 biofuel blend.
A mixture of biofuels and ordinary fuels is also being tested in a tank from the Army and Marine Corps, while the Air Force is testing jet engines that run on biofuels. The first biofuel-powered flight took off last week and was a huge success.
According to Obama the Defence Department has invested $2.7 billion (€2 billion) this year alone to improve energy efficiency.
He added, ‘I know that we can come together to pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation that’s going to foster new energy – new industries, create millions of new jobs, protect our planet and help us become more energy independent.’