High-ranking military leaders have concluded that the economic vulnerability caused by America’s continued reliance on fossil fuels is a threat to national security.

• In a report released May 2009, a panel of high-ranking retired military officials in the country found that the country’s energy posture constitutes a serious and urgent threat to national security – militarily, diplomatically and economically.
• Inefficient use of oil reduces combat effectiveness, and puts our troops more directly in harm’s way. Ensuring the flow of oil around the world stretches our military thin – and these are the same men and women already fighting wars on two fronts.
• General Charles “Chuck” Wald, a member of the CNA Military Advisory Board, explains, “Price volatility is not limited to oil – natural gas and coal prices also experienced huge spikes in the last year. While these resources may be plentiful, they are increasingly difficult to access, and have associated impacts, such as slurry spills. The economic and environmental costs are steep.”
• Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn (USN, Retired) testified to Congress recently that “our economic, energy, climate change and national security challenges are intertwined and co-dependent. Our past pattern of energy use is responsible, in no small measure, for our economic situation today. If we do not adequately address our nation’s growing energy demand and climate change now, in wise and visionary ways, future financial crises will most certainly dwarf this one.”

Pennsylvania businesses have led the way throughout our nation's history. Pennsylvanians launched the railroads that first connected our country for commerce, powered the industrial revolution, and forged the steel that built our cities. It's time for Pennsylvania businesses to again lead the way to new jobs through a clean energy future.