Protect Section 526 for America's National and Energy Security

 Overview

 Under Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies are not permitted to purchase fuels with higher lifecycle emissions than that of conventional petroleum fuels. In the first session of the 113th Congress, there are several attempts to repeal or weaken Section 526.

Section 526 is a critical component of America's national security.

Repealing Section 526 would:

• Stymie critical research and development activities. The U.S. military is one of the leading organizations in the country in developing advanced biofuels. The Navy and Air Force have focused on introducing these fuels into their fleets.
• Unnecessarily hinder a growing sector of the American economy. The Department of Defense is helping bring these domestic-produced renewable fuels to market by serving as an early adopter and prime customer. With the support of DOD, the advanced biofuels industry is steadily growing and establishing itself across the country, in turn providing much-needed jobs and economic activity.
• Undermine the long-term strategic interests of the Defense Department and the United States. Developing and bringing advanced biofuels to scale is a critical step in reducing the nation's dependence on foreign oil. The actions of DOD in developing and procuring these fuels are serving not only to improve the military's operational effectiveness, but also improving the long-term security of the United States.