An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (May 21, 2012) describes a new Pentagon lab in Warren, Michigan to test alternate fuels, improve energy efficiency of parts amd thus improve tank designs. But the same technologies may assist automakers trying to increase their mileage to the madated 54.5 mpg by 2025. The army’s lab aims to improve part designs like radiators, air filters etc that drain energy, recapture wasre heat and convert it to electricity etc. Should such innovations be shared with the industry or be licensed to generate income for the government ? Should the industry be required to share in the costs so as to save taxpayer funds or participate in the research as award grantees ? How should taxpayers be permitted to recover the benefits to industry from the US government sponsored research – should it be a shared free good to improve the environment or otherwise ?