San Diego, Calif.—Last evening, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52), clean energy campaign Operation Free, and CleanTECH San Diego hosted the first public screening of documentary film THE BURDEN, followed by a discussion on Defense Energy issues at the recently opened San Diego Central Library.
THE BURDEN is the first documentary of its kind to tell the story of how our dependence on fossil fuels is the greatest long‐term national security threat confronting the U.S. – and how the military is leading our transition away from oil. Watch the trailer.
The 40-minute documentary was followed by a panel discussion featuring representatives from the military, the San Diego clean energy industry, and Rep. Scott Peters. The panel discussed the energy security challenges our military faces, the innovative projects being conducted on San Diego-area military installations to confront those challenges, and the leadership of Rep. Scott Peters to bring even more opportunities to the San Diego clean energy community.
Rep. Scott Peters said, “San Diego is already a leader in the effort to find and implement innovative solutions for bringing more renewable energy into our military and civilian portfolios. We must give our military the tools necessary to increase self-sufficiency and protect our troops while simultaneously reducing our energy consumption. Reducing the amount of fuel we use is a national security imperative, and the Department of Defense should continue to lead the way toward a more diverse and renewable-focused energy future.”
“I’m thrilled to finally premiere THE BURDEN to the public,” said Roger Sorkin, who wrote, produced, and directed THE BURDEN. “In this film, we tell the stories behind the crucial defense energy policy issues discussed at the screening in San Diego today. I am grateful to Rep. Peters, CleanTECH and Operation Free for making this event possible.”
Andrea Marr, a former Navy officer and a spokesperson for Operation Free, said, “As a veteran, I know how critical these operational energy challenges can be – and how hard the military is fighting to address them. It’s great to see a film like THE BURDEN bring these issues to light, and to hear from engaged and supportive elected leaders like Rep. Peters.”
“San Diego is a natural pick for the first public screening of THE BURDEN,” said CleanTECH San Diego President Jason Anderson. “We are a strong military town with access to incredible renewable energy resources and technology companies that can provide solutions. The big thinking and innovation it takes to change our nation’s dependency on foreign oil inevitably begins right here in San Diego.”
Other panelists included CAPT James C. Goudreau, Acting Deputy Assistant Security of the Navy (Energy); David Field, President and CEO, OneRoof Energy; and Adam Gerza, Director of Government Affairs, Sullivan Solar Power.
Congressman Peters serves the 52nd District of California which covers much of central San Diego County including Poway, Coronado, and large portions of the City of San Diego. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology. He was named the fourth most independent Democrat by National Journal last year. The Congressman is a former environmental attorney, City Council President, and Port Commission Chairman. Earlier this year, Rep. Peters and Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) introduced the Department of Defense Energy Security Act (DODESA) to promote research and innovation in the military as it moves toward a diversified and renewables-focused energy infrastructure.
Operation Free is a nationwide coalition of veterans and national security experts working to secure America with clean energy. Learn more at www.operationfree.net.
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