A Defense Department official has told a Senate hearing that energy plays a critical role in defense operations, American Forces Press Service reported Tuesday.Terri Moon Cronk writes Edward Thomas Morehouse Jr., principal deputy assistant defense secretary for operational energy plans and programs, outlined the department’s energy costs and funding for fiscal year 2015.
“Using energy more wisely will enable us to fly and sail farther, to loiter or remain on station longer, and give us supply lines that are more secure, requiring less forces, fewer lives and less money to sustain,†Morehouse told the Senate Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee.
Morehouse also told the Senate hearing the department’s funding for 96 million barrels of fuel could reach nearly $15 billion and its five-year defense plan could cost $9 billion, according to the report.
The official said the U.S. military becomes more concerned with energy as the Pentagon turns its focus to the Asia-Pacific region, the report says.
