A Bloombergbusinessweek article (oct 31-Nov 6, pg 44-45) decsribes plans by the navy and Marines to shift 50 % of their fuel to renewbale sources by 2020, the Army 25 % by 2025. Sources include camelina (an oil bearing plant), chicken fat, plant waste etc. In addition to sustianability, security is a reason – with one Marine killed for every 50 fuel or water convoys in Afghanistan.  Once the defense department shifts its $ 14.5 billion spend away from fossil fuels, their decision could bring costs down from $ 10/gallon to $ 4/gallon for commercial uses.  Should the federal govt commit to specific fuel purchases to drive down the costs for the rest of industry ? Should the associated costs to convert aircraft to accomodate these feuls be borne by the manufacturers ? Can shifting to renewable sources, obtained locally, and associated decreased risks for defense personnel in the war theater , provide sufficient justification for such decisions ?