Jim Hightower

If the Army can go off the grid, can't others?


Do you know about "net zero"? That's the wonky phrase attached to an elegant idea: converting communities to total renewable energy, complete recycling and a culture of conservation to bring humankind's carbon footprint into a sustainable balance with a healthy earth.

Now, imagine the last place you'd expect this ideal to take root, and even flourish. How about an Army base? In Texas? Well, astonishingly enough, the Army is pioneering America's net-zero future. Fort Bliss, a sprawling military base accommodating 35,000 soldiers in El Paso, is one of our armed forces' leading hotbeds of energy conservation and creativity.

The post already has a 1.4-megawatt solar array and has placed rooftop solar panels on enough base housing to generate 13.4-megawatts of energy. It's partnering with El Paso Electric to add a 200-acre, 20-megawatt solar farm by 2015. The base's managers plan to convert its own waste into energy. Oh, and it's engaged in wind power, geothermal and conservation projects while promoting energy-efficient vehicles and building bicycle lanes.

The Army! Who knew they cared?


The troops have earned their green stripes by planting nearly 15,000 trees and embracing recycling. To encourage the latter, base commander Gen. Dana Pittard has invested the revenue from recycling into skate parks, gyms and other morale-boosting recreation projects.



Jim Hightower is a radio commentator, writer and public speaker. He's also editor of the populist newsletter The Hightower Lowdown.

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