AMC Moves to Cut Energy Costs

As of June 8, the Air Mobility Command, headquartered at Scott AFB, Ill., has implemented 11 fuel-efficiency initiatives to reduce aviation fuel consumption and help the Air Force become more energy efficient overall to reduce operating costs. AMC officials say these initiatives include reducing aircraft takeoff weight by removing of non-mission-essential items and working with foreign countries to establish more fuel-efficient flight routes. They are projected to reduce AMC’s yearly fuel consumption by 65.3 million gallons, a savings of more than $180 million. Another 12 measures have been identified that would reduce annual fuel consumption by an additional 51.1 million gallons, when implemented, saving roughly another $115 million. In Fiscal 2009, the Air Force spent nearly $8.5 billion on fuel. Service officials have said every dollar spent on energy means one less dollar available to support airmen in other ways. (Scott report by Laura McAndrews)