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Subscribe to RSSThe U.S. Navy today announced the largest government purchase of "drop-in" biofuel, a green energy replacement for diesel fuel in ships and jets that will be used during a major naval exercise next summer in the Pacific.
Navy Secretary Ray Maybus says the $12 million purchase of 450,000 gallons of biofuel will power aircraft and ships deployed for the Rim of the Pacific exercise (RIMPAC), the world's largest maritime exercise held every two years.
It's all part of a "Green Fleet" demonstration, he says, to prove the viability of a 50-50 blend of biofuels and diesel as "a very viable concept."
Maybus says the Navy's goal is to use a similar biofuel blend to deploy and power a carrier strike group on a multi-month deployment by 2016.
Maybus made today's announcement on a conference call with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack as part of the administration's push to greater utilize biofuel technology in military and commercial transportation.
This biofuel purchase by the Defense Logistics Agency, however, is only a drop in the bucket for the U.S. Navy, which uses more than 1.26 billion gallons of fuel each year.
But both Maybus and Vilsack argue it's an important step in making the nation more energy independent.
"The use of fossil fuels is a real threat to national security, and the Navy's ability to protect the nation," Maybus said.
Maybus and Vilsack also touted the jobs created in the farming and biofuel industry as the U.S. government increases its reliance on green fuel technology.
According to Maybus, the department did not have to ask for additional money for the project, since the funds came from the normal course of business of Navy research and development.
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Its about time.
Could it be that that the US Military is Years ahead of the Climate Change Naysayers?
Naw, say it aint so!
Occupy SoggyBottom!
About time, eh Stupid?
Yep, that's $26.66 per gallon. A gallon of good old diesel is going for what, about $4.00, right?
So Stupid you head on over to the gas station. Get yourself 10 gallons of regular gas, at $3.50 = $35. But then, make like the government and take out $$226 and light it on fire.
Cause that's what our totally awesome, money is no object government just did.
Brilliant, right gang? And of course it this crap is anything like the corn gas they tried, it'll be far less efficient which mean it'll take at least a gallon and a half of this crap to equal one gallon of regular diesel.
So it's not $27 per gallon, but really $38 per.
Yep Rick the Navy is ahead of something. Too bad sound fiscal decisions are not it's strong suit.
But they are partying in Durban, right Rick?
Wow! Who'da thunk it- the USN a bunch of 'envrionmentalist WHACKO'S'????
WHat's GOP spokesperson Limbaugh going to say about THIS?
Hehehe!
Rocket Fuel is less expensive than this!
What a hair-brained idea!
(show me the clown nose, fisty!)
Yet again, I can agree with you Spanker. That is a rediculous amount of money for fuel that is readily cheaper. However, let's remember that biofuels, especially ethanol are still in the development phase. It is pretty horrible, but is a sound idea and with development could really be a good alternative. Current gasoline is nothing like the gasoline of the early 1900's. From your snark it seems you would rather not even try, than at least make an attempt. If it fails, well that would be just the business model you support. The questions would be will they CONTINUE to spend that money for that fuel, or was this just a trial?
Also, this is the military that is wasting the money. So I am sure you could concede that the cutting of their budget is warranted? Obama's veto should be something that you support if it comes to that. Or is the money for our national security...just like those overpriced and faulty fighter jets. We certainly don't have enough of the working old ones...
Or we could drill in the Gulf, off the east coast, the west coast, ANAWR, Alaska ...
Or we could do the pipeline ... or Ohio shale ... natural gas .... or we could not be intentionally killing the coal industry .....
Sheez .... we are the richest country in the world with regard to natural resources ... enough for 100s of years while new resources and new techniques are being discovered everyday.
On top of that the cost of food is skyrocketing while we put food in fuel tanks.
But it is progress, right?
Like - Electric cars?
Above is from the Los Angeles Times in a piece dated May 19, ..... 1901!
If it was viable - you would think they would figure it out in 110 YEARS!
GM sells 168 other vehicles for every Volt ... and the tax payer has to pay $7,500 to every idiot to buy one.
Wind turbines? .... that were invented in 1800's .... that still don't produce when ..... THE WIND DOESN"T BLOW. Insanity.
We are broke and are literally paying people to buy cars whose batteries catch on fire. Insane.
We are broke, we are getting ready to cut OUR NATIONAL DEFENSE, cutting jobs and Obama's military is wasting money on ..... $38 a gallon fuel.
Insane.
We should have a solar powered Navy. Break off the attack at dusk.
Oh and by the way... each morning, every ship will be exactly where it was last night when the sun went down.
Sounds like they would be easy to sink don't you think?
Nah... you see... our next big R&D project is inviso-paint! LOL!
(show me the clown nose, fisty!)
"We should have a solar powered Navy. Break off the attack at dusk.'
Exactly, because everyone knows electrical sotrage devices (batteries) haven't been invented yet.
@SteveYo-2559836
I think corn-based ethanol has already been discredited as being green.
Right dbo...
those battery operated cars go so far on a charge... (without the gas engines kicking in)... I mean.. man oh man... we could prolly go a good 50 miles on them there battries...
(show me the clown nose, fisty!)
Will they be the same variety batteries used in the Volt? Better get some better fire protection on those ships.
Or do you think you can run the USS Reagan on D-Cells?
Great point JoAnna.
I hate to give Obama an idea, but, in fact, we actually used to power our ships with renewable energy.
They were called sail ships.
More Green Energy News:
Battery maker A123 Systems, which has been celebrated as one of Michigan's biggest alternative energy successes, laid off 125 workers at its Livonia and Romulus battery plants this week, according to a report by the Observer & Eccentric.
A123 spokesman Dan Borgasano told the Observer & Eccentric that the company expects "to be calling these people back in six months or less" and attributed the move to a reduced battery order from California electric vehicle startup Fisker Automotive.
Yeah, THAT Fisker Automotive. Turns out they can't build a car. They seem to have a heat (Fire) problem with the electric inverters, (now where have I heard that before?) so they are holding up the design of the Nina (Sister to the failed Karma). The Nina is suppose to be their 'money" car. planned on building 150,000/year. So far they haven't built 150 Karmas.
If they are counting on Fisker to be able to call these people back to work, they better not hold their breath.
This just keeps getting better and better, eh?
Or nuclear energy, which powers our flagships (carriers) and submarines.
Diesel is used mainly on the smaller ships/older ships as well as aircraft (JP-5).
This is a test run of green fuels, if it proves viable and cost efficient - it will be used. If it's not cost efficient, it won't be used (but it will continue to be developed) because alternative energy sources are a necessity for long-term security goals.
The problems and growing pains in the alternative energy industry are indeed real, but that does not make the research any less important. Go on, be happy and discredit the industry all you want, but if you're not offering any real long-term solutions you are really not contributing anything but hot air.
Really looking good with the hoping America fails stuff. I met Ray Mabus at the Naval War College and he is nobody's leftie. In your haste to denigrate and dismiss EVERYTHING that happens during this administration you fail to recognize that many of the policies and plans implemented during the past 3 years were initially planned and approved during previous administrations.
Fossil fuels are finite, and our Armed forces long ago determined that energy self -dependence, over the LONG run, is a national security priority. It will be sad if my conservative friends are reduced to rooting against things like our MILITARY's energy policy, energy independence for America, economic recovery and people going back to work...
Sorry dangerfield... we are not in a hurry to denigrate and dismiss EVERYTHING....
Only the completely stupid things... like a $26/gal replacement for $4/gal diesel fuel. (common sense please...)
(show me the clown nose, fisty!)
This is an established policy of the US Government, and the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force, so understand that you are undermining the military and our National Security in claiming that our military leaders lack "common sense" in transitioning our Armed forces to fuels that we will control 100% . Penny-wise and pound foolish is an old saying, but very applicable here. Maybe the experiment won't be successful, but the Generals and Admirals I know all think it's a worthwhile pursuit. It isn't the first time we have used the military to advance technologies that were once cost-prohibitive.
The anti-boosterism and short-sightedness in the reaction to this PILOT program by conservatives here, on ECONOMIC grounds yet, is incongruent with conservative political philosophy and insulting to our Military Leaders who promoted and support this PILOT program and the full and orderly transition to 100% AMERICAN-produced fuel for our military, helping to ensure our National security into the next century.
I'm sorry but you are wearing the "clown-nose" on this topic...
And we all know if this was under President McCain, the comments here would be the same but the political-orientations would be reversed...
If the Navy can get 'er done so can the rest of us. Keep our air and water clean and our sons and daughters alive by using less oil. Go Green everyone!
Heck, why not just get an old Viking boat .... some swords and shields ... put a little solar panel up for Wi-Fi and we're good right?
Against some country's naval forces? Yeah, actually. lol
Hey spanky.... sorry I wasn't here for a discussion on your post 1.2 - really hate missing those opportunities.
Anyway, did you read the article spank? Did you by chance "get" what was said?
Please allow me to clarify for your edification:
Part of a demonstration spanky; you understand what that is, right?
Or are you stating unequivocably that you do NOT want biofuels to be proven as a "viable concept?"
I know you are a re-gressive spanky, but are you truly THAT backward looking?
What? Did you sell all your gold and invest it in oil?
Or maybe you just don't care about the future and/or do not have any foresight about problems we will face in 10, 25, 50, or 100 years. Not planning to have any grandkids? Which is it spank - you can tell us....
Great comment, Since the polar ice caps have been melting millions of tons of methane has been released from the ocean floor, bubbling to the Surface and in to the Air we breath. Don't think they have an idea how to deal with it. So love that the Navy is stepping up to test and use cleaner fuel. Love the Sailors, esp. in there dress white.
Not only good for the environment, but good for national security and the economy.
Go Navy - beat Army! (Married to a Navy vet) Game is this Saturday.
Sounds awfully close to 30$ per gallon. What's up with that?
There's the Canadian coming out in you! ;o)
05.12.11
@Feisty
We pay around 4.50 a gallon, have medicare for all and our loons have feathers.
I thought you were on 'liters'?
Wish we were so lucky - our 'loons' are pale, male & stale! ;o)
Did you ever have our local dish called poutine when you were up here Feisty? It's a combination of french fries, cheese curds and gravy. Sort of looks like Newt if you run it through a blender.
Poutine ROCKS!
I once had the opportunity to travel from west to east coast (by car) all the way across Canada...
I made it a point to sample the local variety of poutine at every stop.
In my humble opinion... Montreal serves up the absolute best! (not to mention the smoked meat!)
(show me the clown nose, fisty!)
I had the pleasure many times - it is delishioso! lol
BTW: When in your neck of the woods, I always accompanied my french fries with mayo! ;o)
Now, if I can get all you folks to come down south of the Mason-Dixon line, I could serve up some fried grtis with fried green tomatoes!
Can I get some peanut pie with that Phine?
SickO, you forgot to mention the bagels.
Now we understand exactly why we have major deficits!
12 millions dollars for 450,000 gallons of fuel for 1, that's right ONE military exercise.
It's time for our military industrial complex to be weened from the teat.
Congress needs to be weened from the teat of the military. S.429 Cleaning Up Congress by Accountability for Foreign Travel. Congress has set it up since the Korean War. Unlimited travel on luxury jets some like Air Force One. Unreported to the public, OPEN CREDIT CARD in foreign Countries. Military personel carry their bags serve them drinks, etc. Wives, Staff, family everyone free, billed to the PENTAGON.
Hooray!
...I think... :-\
Not only do we need to think about going green we may not only have a country but we ourselves may not exist.
upwithchrishayes.msnbc.msn.com
Amy Goodman on Global Warming
I don't know if this link works but you need to watch it
Criticizing President Obama about this to me is ridiculous. It's like the far left have forgot or had no concept of blue dogs, Repubs or cloture.
WE need to support him
This is we have to work hard to re-elect President Obama.
I found the link:
UN Convention on Climate Change in Durban, SouthAfrica
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/45542229#45535461
Criticizing President Obama about this to me is ridiculous. It's like the far left have forgot or had no concept of blue dogs, Repubs or cloture.
We need to support him.
This is we have to work hard to re-elect President Obama instead of feeding the right and left wing trolls. Even Chris Hayes is trying to get Her to see how difficult the grid lock is
450K gallons for $12megabucks is $26 per gallon. Does anybody beside me think that is high?
Read more: #ixzz1fgjAoawz
From Bloomberg news:
Mabus said today on a conference call with reporters. The cost will be about $15 a gallon, he said.
“This is still R&D,” Mabus said. “As the market develops, you will see the cost come down.”
Hate to tell you Amy... but even if $15 was the correct number.... (which it's not... do the math)... the cost is unjustifiable.
It is not the responsibility of the US military to support this sort of R&D. Especially during a time when our country is operating at such a deficit.
You people always want to cut defense spending yet you come out supporting this kind of lunacy. (go figure)
(show me the clown nose, fisty!)
Research and Development of alternative energy sources is a long-term investment that will ultimately pay-off.
How much did it cost to clean up the Gulf after the off shore oil spill? How much to fight the Texas wildfires, caused by global warming? How much to protect our source of middleeastern oil?
Might want to add up the "hidden" costs of sticking with conventional energy sources.
The cost of that clean-up was covered by BP... remember?
And by the way... they are still paying for it... as they should be.
"How much to fight the Texas wildfires, caused by global warming?"
Amy, you are beyond help. Do you really think this is the first wildfire that ever occurred in the West?
Do you think, even if this was true (which is certainly isn't) a few bio-diesal ships would make a dent in preventing such wildfires?
Ah, the progressive mind at work..or more specifically, not working.
For Congress to fly Unlimited to any Foreign Country in the world on luxury jets and charge it to Pentagon. About $20,000 hr. 375 jets booked solid over recess. Boehner has left that out. OPEN CREDIT CARD in foreign countries. Account replenishes itself, with any unappropriated funds.
If the Navy is paying $26.67 per gallon of green fuel, it had better be Goldschlager they're putting in those tanks.
No. I think Goldschlager is still costs more than $26 a gallon...although the effects are worth the cost
Of course, the actual green alternative would be an energy source that does not burn and create carbon emissions. Hydrogen powered engines would 'exhaust' water that can be piped right into the sea.
That is a great idea. Love it.
Daring MSNBC to investigate how many Obama campaign contributors "Got Green"--green money-- from contracts to provide the "biofuels" for this boondoggle?
No, they don't need to succumb to the whims of irrational Republicans. They're the party of bold-faced hypocrisy, and deserve nothing. Obama will sweep the floor with Mitt on the end of the broom stick.
Go Navy!!! I have a lot of respect for those SeaBee's with their "Can Do" motto and the Corpsmen who served with my unit (1st Battaltion/9th Marines/Bravo Company) in Viet Nam. Hat's off to all who served in the US Military... so we can remain a free nation and play on the internet. Thank you and God bless you all.
Thank you for your service, Truth being told. USA needs to catch or lead the world in alternative fuels. Great Article.
S.429 Cleaning Up Congress by Accountability for Foreign Travel is still in Committee. The Congress does not file an agenda do to old Korean War Law. They do not report their unlimited travel to any FOREIGN Country. They have a department that just books their travel. When Boehner calls recess they have about375 luxury jets some like AIR FORCE ONE they have military carry bags, serve drinks, act as stewardess. Wives, Staff, Etc. fly free billed to Pentagon. about $20,000hr. When in Foreign Country UNLIMITED OPEN CREDIT CARD. BIG SPENDERS, account automatically refills from any unappropriated funds. THAT WOULD BE BIG CUT TO MILITARY SPENDING.
If you think that's bad, the Wall Street Journal saidit takes about 400 bucks a gallon to air drop gas into Afghanistan since Pakistan closed the border.
To the very first post, dumber that a rock, are you kidding me, "its about time"? Again with the template people, and no interest in the facts, bio-fuel is subsidised by the Government(taxpayers), if it wasn't it would be more expensive to produce than "evil oil". And what would you expect the Obama administration to do but, as a ploy to create a perception that alternative fuel works(expecially in light of the recent allegations of shady dealings of other green energy companies, connected to the Obama administration), and order the Navy to use an alternative fuel. And there you liberals are having an "on cue" Obamagasm,(ol' suz up there) saying "see, see, green works, see,see". Before you start your cheer leading routines, once just once, research what your cheering. Find out the difference in the cost of the use of bio-fuels as compare to fuels not taxpayer subsidised. Oh never mind you libs are hopeless................
Green is good, Republicans are bad. They want to convert America into a de-regulated China. They think their smog is fog.