Veterans headed to Washington to push energy for independence

September 29, 2015

American Security News

Vets 4 Energy, U.S. military veterans who advocate for energy policies to sustain the country's national security, next week will talk to Congress about the importance of the U.S. becoming energy independent.

Retired Marine Sgt. Maj. Paul Chevalier, the organization’s State Director in New Hampshire, said discussions with elected officials will include talking about what energy independence means for national security and job creation.

“I am always interested in the effect on national security, and I think most of the veterans I know have a concern with the relationship between us being energy independent and national security,” Chevalier, who served 31 years in the U.S. Marine Corps with three tours in Vietnam. said. “As long as we have to rely on anybody in the Middle East for any energy, that is a risk as far as I am [concerned].”

This is part of what Vets 4 Energy will discuss with Congress, specifically around offshore production access. Chevalier said the United States has to take advantage of energy resources off of its own shores in order to increase energy security, which, the organization notes, is part of protecting national security.

“Obviously I think the offshore oil production just builds up our energy independence and just gives us more, Chevalier said. "You know what? If we ever get to the point where we don’t need all of the oil we have, we would be successful. We back all forms of energy. We push for all types of renewable energy and that is fine, but none of it is really working right now. So we need to make the most out of the available oil and natural gas.”

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