Energy Is a “Constraint on Our Deployed Forces”: DOD DOEPP Nominee Sharon Burke
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
“The committee and Congress have shown an acute interest in operational energy by creating this position,” said Burke, who would be the first person to serve as Director of Operational Energy Plans and Programs (DOEPP). “Sharon Burke has a deep understanding of the energy and climate change challenges facing the Department of Defense,” according to Geoff Dabelko, director of the Wilson Center’s Environmental Change and Security Program. “She would be able to hit the ground running if confirmed.”
Burke said that previous Congressional and presidential mandates have pushed DOD to improve the energy posture of its domestic facilities. She hopes to achieve similar successes in the operational arena. While she was reluctant to privilege any single solution, she suggested that more efficient weapon platforms and tactical vehicles, alternative fuels, and better business and acquisition processes could all be part of the mixture.
In response to a question from Senator Chambliss (R-GA) about climate change, Burke said, “I think the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) does a very good job laying out the proper role of the military forces.” The Wilson Center recently hosted a panel discussion on the QDR and the UK Defence Green Paper, at which the speakers repeatedly referred to the future DOEPP.
The nomination hearing largely avoided any tension concerning climate science and mitigation policies, focusing instead on military operations and ensuring the maximum effectiveness of U.S. forces. “My top priority would be mission-effectiveness,” Burke said. E&E News reports Burke is expected to be confirmed.
Photo: Sharon Burke courtesy CNAS.
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3 comments:
Andrew Holland who runs the IISS transatlantic dialogue on climate and security has blogged about Sharon's hearing http://climatesecurity.blogspot.com/2010/03/congressional-testimony-on-energy.html
He includes links to the hearing webcast - http://armed-services.senate.gov/Webcasts/2010/03%20March/03-23-10%20Webcast.htm
Andy Bochman at the DOD Energy Blog: Rethinking Military Power writes about Sharon Burke's confirmation hearing and quite helpfully lists the time markers when she is speaking (she was part of a panel with other DOD nominees). Bochman also has read through Sharon's pre-hearing answers to questions from the Committee and excerpts those extensively.
http://dodenergy.blogspot.com/2010/03/doepp-candidate-burke-gets-her-day-in.html
Thanks Geoff - glad to see you're on top of the Burke nomination activities too. This is quite a big development for all of us in the community. Yours, Andy/DOD Energy Blog
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