Under the Radar: The Cost and Benefits of Wind Energy Through the Lens of National Security

Abstract

This Article examines wind energy through the lens of national security. The benefit resides with helping the United States become energy independent. National-security concerns also present a cost because wind energy interferes with military radar, posing a potential threat to the systems that monitor possible attacks. This Article attempts to analyze the overall impact of wind energy while noting the inherent difficulties when so much uncertainty is involved in the process.

Keywords: Wind Energy, National Security, Radar, Renewable Energy, Air Pollution, Wind Turbines, Wind Farms, Siting Process, FAA, NEPA, Environmental Impact Statement, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Precautionary Principle, Risk Management

JEL Classification: K32, K23, K00, K20, K29, K19, O35, O38, O22, Q40, Q42, Q48, Q49, Q28, Q20, Q01