U.S. Army explores green energy options

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CINCINNATI, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army said it was creating a task force to address energy security challenges as it moves toward a goal of having a greener energy footprint.

U.S. Secretary of the Army John McHugh announced at an energy conference in Ohio that the Energy Initiatives Office Task Force would help the military address energy security, higher fuel prices and tighter government mandates.

McHugh said that if the Army wants to get 25 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2025, it needs to explore every option available.

"The Energy Initiatives Office Task Force will help the Army build resilience through renewable energy while streamlining our business practices so developers can invest in and build an economically viable, large-scale renewable energy infrastructure," he said.

The Army estimates it will need to invest as much as $7.1 billion during the next decade to meet its renewable energy objectives. The task force will work within the military to help advance large-scale renewable and alternative energy projects on Army installations.

"Addressing our energy security needs is operationally necessary, fiscally prudent and vital to mission accomplishment," added McHugh.

The task force will start work by Sept. 15.