CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Camp Pendleton hosted the Department of the Navy – State of California Energy Agency Meeting, May 5 – 6.
The bi-annual conference, which is designed to foster the partnership and discuss energy opportunities between the Secretary of the Navy and the State of California, began in 2013.
Dennis V. McGinn, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations and Environment) presided over the event.
More than 40 representatives from the various government and civilian organizations participated in the event, to include the Assistant Secretary of the Navy’s Office, Marine Corps Installations – West, Navy Region Southwest, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, the California Energy Commission, the Public Utilities Commission, the State Water Resources Control Board and the California Air Resources Board.
“The conference is important because it reinforces goals and objectives with respect to energy security and water security between the State of California and the Department of the Navy,” said U.S. Navy Capt. William Whitmire, Assistant Chief of Staff, Facilities, Marine Corps Installations – West. “By coordinating together, we can realize opportunities that otherwise may not be possible working on our own.”
The conference covered topics such as energy, Microgrids, alternative transportation, energy storage, energy legislation and has recently expanded to include water security and drought response.
According to Whitmire, the three most significant topics were renewable energy powered Microgrids, the conversion of gas-powered military vehicles to electric-powered vehicles, and opportunities for water conservation.
“This series of energy and water initiatives together are mutually beneficial for Navy and Marine Corps bases as well as the state of California and the local community,” said Whitmire.
Opportunities for water conservation on Navy and Marine Corps bases and stations are important, as they will increase regional water security for both the bases and the outlying community.
Renewable energy Microgrids are important, as they can not only incorporate energy security needs for Navy and Marine Corps bases but for the local community as well, said Whitmire.
Whitmire added that the conversion of traditional gas-powered military vehicles to electric-powered vehicles will benefit energy security and the environment, and is one of the largest end-goal fleet electric vehicle acquisitions in the country to date.
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