New Defense Authorization Act to Boost Clean Energy Use

February 6, 2008

President Bush signed the Defense Authorization Act on January 28, providing funding for the Department of Defense (DoD), while also boosting the U.S. military's use of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Section 828 of the act allows the DoD to enter into long-term contracts, lasting up to 10 years, for electricity from renewable energy sources. Section 2863 requires energy efficient lighting in any building that DoD builds or significantly alters. It also requires DoD to install energy efficient light bulbs when replacing lights during normal maintenance. See the White House press release and pages 556 and 1406 of the bill (PDF 2.8 MB). Download Adobe Reader.