Posted on 02/02/2012 5:06:57 PM PST by Sawdring
There are no cuts made in the nuclear force in this budget.” That clear statement was made yesterday by deputy defense secretary Ashton Carter during the Pentagon’s briefing on the defense budget request for Fiscal Year 2013.
We’ll have to see what’s hidden in the budget documents once they are released next month, but the statement is disappointing for anyone who had hopes that the administration’s promises about “concrete steps” to reduce the number and role of nuclear weapons and to “put an end to Cold War thinking” would actually be reflected in the new defense budget.
Not so for the FY13 budget. Other than a decision to delay work for two years on the next generation ballistic missile submarine, the Defense Budget Priorities and Choices report released yesterday does not list any nuclear reductions; neither previously announced nor new ones.
But one year after the New START treaty entered into effect and 18 months after the Nuclear Posture Review was completed, it would have made sense to include some nuclear cuts in this budget – especially because this budget includes programming for future budget years through 2017, only one year before the New START treaty has to be implemented. Specifically, the Pentagon should have explained how (and how soon) it will achieve the previously announced plans to:
Look who actually pays for this leftist activist group...
http://www.fas.org/programs/energy/btech/about/funding.html
Funding and Partnerships
Federation of American Scientists
The work by the Building Technologies program is made possible through generous funding from and partnerships with like-minded organizations. The following are some of the organizations that make this work possible:
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is the primary funder of the FAS Building Technologies Program. The DOE’s overarching mission is to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States; to promote scientific and technological innovation in support of that mission; and to ensure the environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex. The initial focus of this funding has been on composite materials that can substitute for conventional methods. Achieving the goal meant both reviewing data on alternative composite designs and connections, as well as constructing demonstration projects.
The Charles Pankow Foundation, founded by construction industry pioneer Charles Pankow in 2004, exists to provide the public with improved quality, efficiency, and value of buildings by advancing innovation in design and construction. FAS is working with the Pankow foundation to investigate the use of cementitious structural insulated panels in multi-story buildings. The principle goal of the project is to select a preferred design and deliver a complete design, ready to be employed on actual CSIP construction projects and for the rapid adoption by the building construction industry and its customers.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) is the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency. Created by the Legislature in 1974, the Commission’s is responsible for promoting energy efficiency through appliance and building standards and developing energy technologies. The Commission’s also oversees funding programs that support public interest energy research, and advance energy science and technology through research, development and demonstration. FAS works closely with the CEC and commissioner Art Rosenfeld to to improve energy systems that promote a strong economy and a healthy environment.
The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) works with FAS to advance and improve SIP technology, as well as to expand the impact of SIPs within the building industry.
Habitat for Humanity Mobile County is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHMC is dedicated to eliminating poverty housing as a matter of conscience and action. Habitat builds simple decent houses in partnership with people in need in the community. Through donations of time, materials and investment, Habitat houses are sold to families at no profit, financed with affordable no-interest loans. Habitat for Humanity is working with FAS to investigate alternative building solutions focusing on affordability, energy efficiency, and constructability.
The Citizen League for Environmental Action NOW (CLEAN), a community organization based in Houston, Texas, works to inform and educate citizens about environmental abuses, placing an emphasis on education and data collection. The organization is compirsed of prominent scientists, medical doctors, environmental specialists, concerned citizens and representatives from several environmental groups. CLEAN has teamed with FAS to demonstrate the use of structural insulated panel construction as part of a safe, environmentally-friendly, and cost efficient home.
The University of California Berkeley, led by Engineering Professor Khalid Mosalem have worked with FAS to conduct structural and seismic testing of composite materials and new technologies. Mosalem is heavily involved in optimizing SIP technology for seismic safety, and has provided his professional insights on research and demonstration projects.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) conducts research with the Building Technologies Program, performing material and engineering testing.
I understand that they are certainly not a conservative group but they are an excellent resource to get information on global military capabilities.
LLS
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