Air Force leading contributor in keeping the world green Published April 22, 2007 SAN ANTONIO (AFNEWS) -- Blue suiters can celebrate Earth Day April 22 with the knowledge that they play an important role in keeping the world green. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tabulates a quarterly listing of the top 25 partner organizations that purchase the highest amount of environmentally friendly power and energy. This energy is often called green power. The Air Force currently ranks third overall and the number one government organization. In every other listing since September 2004, the Air Force has been in the top spot. "This top 25 list includes a number of leading federal government institutions that are buying significant amounts of green power," said Blaine Collison, program director for EPA's Green Power Partnership. "EPA applauds the Air Force for helping to drive demand for new renewable energy power sources through its voluntary green power purchase." Secretary of The Air Force Michael W. Wynne spoke about the importance of green power at the Air Force's Energy Industry Forum in Arlington, Va., March 8. "These honors enhance the growth of an important renewable market that also serves to reduce demand on the grid or for oil," he said. "Leadership in renewable energy for the federal government is something we do not take lightly." The Air Force purchased almost one million megawatt-hours of green power in 2006. This amount of energy is equivalent to the electricity needed to power 70 thousand homes. The use of synthetic fuels and a deployable hydrogen refueling station, at Hickam AFB, were some of the current green power programs that Secretary Wynne highlighted in his speech. Earth Day is celebrated by 500 million people and national governments from 175 countries. The holiday was founded by former Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, a famous proponent of environmental issues. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) Click here to view the comments/letters page