U.S. Navy commits to green future

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy is committed to conducting its missions with the best environmental practices in mind, naval officials said in Florida.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Tim Alexander, the commander of Navy Region Southeast, said his fleet was moving toward a greener future.

"As stewards of the Earth, our mission must always be performed in a manner that protects the environment, prevents pollution and protects our natural, historic and cultural resources," he said. "The Navy will continue its evolution toward a green fleet and its commitment to a high standard of stewardship.

The U.S. Navy and Department of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding in January to advance the use of biofuels and renewable energy in the naval fleet.

The strategic objective of the cooperative agreement is to reduce the Navy's reliance on foreign energy while at the same time decreasing the amount of money it spends on gasoline.

The Navy by 2012 aims to develop a so-called Green Strike Group composed of a nuclear fleet powered by biofuels. Future plans include the use of hybrid, electric and flex-fuel powered vessels.

By 2020 the Navy said it plans to meet half of its fleet energy demand through alternative fuel resources. In addition, 50 percent of all onshore facilities will be net zero energy consumers by 2020.