WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul yesterday introduced the Fort Knox Energy Security Act as an amendment to S.2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016. The legislation would specifically allow the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to continue producing natural gas at Fort Knox in Kentucky, which ultimately would enable Fort Knox to become the only military installation capable of self-sustainment in the country. Sen. Paul previously introduced the legislation as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in June 2015.

For the past 20 years, Fort Knox has worked to become the first military installation to provide their own power, heat, gas, water, and wastewater elimination all from on-post resources. In May 2015, Fort Knox successfully demonstrated their ability to fully operate without outside power assistance. However, if authority is not given, the investments Fort Knox has made to become self-sustainable will cease and energy costs for the DOD will increase.

“While the development of natural gas resources underlying federal lands is generally the responsibility of the Department of the Interior, the amendment would provide an exception for previously existing natural gas development at Fort Knox. Allowing the Department of Defense to produce natural gas at Fort Knox would not only be cost-effective for the government, but beneficial for the Fort Knox community,” Sen. Paul said.

Click HERE to read the text of the Fort Knox Energy Security Act in its entirety.

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