The Burden, a ground-breaking documentary about our military’s deadly dependence on oil and aiming for solar national security, is set to premiere Friday, March 27th, in Washington DC at the Environmental Film Festival.
US Solar is proud to be a producer of the film as well as a part of the alternative energy solution to overcoming this dependence. Clean energy, such as solar, is an issue of national security, and The Burden tells the story of how and why.
Currently 1 out of every 24 military convoys results in a casualty. The mission of the majority of those convoys is to deliver or secure fuel. As a result, the death toll of our men and women who have died over oil is staggering. In addition to the lives lost, the cost to obtain and protect oil around the world is very high – $85 billion annually, about 17% of Defense Department’s total budget – is spent solely on protecting oil choke points.
Veterans who have faced the reality of the situation explain it best. “We knew the risks, and we were prepared to give our lives for our country in Iraq,” said Jon Gensler, West Point grad and Iraq War Army Veteran, “But, we were unprepared for how much of our time was wasted on getting and protecting fuel.”
Military leaders have identified oil dependence as the greatest long-term threat to national security – not just dependence on foreign sources, but on all oil, period. The film presents the serious consequences of maintaining an untenable status quo, while illuminating the economic opportunities offered by a renewable energy economy, a solution that would save money, and, most importantly, save countless lives.
“The Burden opens doors to meaningful discussions about the military’s reliance on fossil fuels and vividly illuminates how oil dependence is increasingly a national security concern,” Said Stephanie Kline, USMC veteran and current environmental defense fund military energy analyst. “The Burden is a compelling film that candidly documents the dangerous costs of fossil fuels in a way most people have never seen before,” Kline continued, “… Our country supports its troops, and this film skillfully demonstrates how our energy choices affect the safety and welfare of our men and women in uniform. I have spent the last 10 years pushing for policies that protect the warfighter. The Burden spends 40 minutes expertly documenting why reducing military reliance on fossil fuels is critical to us all.”
When Ray Johnson, founder of US Solar was contacted by writer and director Roger Sorkin about the film, the choice to support the project and step in as a producer was an easy one. A portion of the filming was actually done in Fort Lauderdale, at US Solar’s headquarters.
Now that the film is complete, US Solar expects renewed commitment to renewable energy. “Solar power is more than a way for homeowners to lower their utility bill.” Said Ray Johnson of US Solar. “It is a way to increase national security and save lives. US Solar is proud to do whatever we can to help lift The Burden, literally and metaphorically.”
Those interested in supporting the movement can learn more about the film HERE, like them on Facebook HERE, follow them on twitter HERE, and spread the word by using hashtag #TheBurdenFilm. Supporters may also plan screenings and participate in discussions around the world.
About US Solar – US Solar is a globally diversified solar energy corporation with headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and partners around the world. US Solar is dedicated to comprehensive solar education and is licensed by the Florida Department of Education. US Solar provides certified NABCEP exam preparation courses, full PV diploma courses, online courses through MyUSSI.com, and continuing education courses across the globe. US Solar also offers consulting services, construction management, engineering, and equipment solutions for virtually any sized project or system need.
About Roger Sorkin – Sorkin believes this is THE story for transforming the debate on climate change and clean energy once and for all. He is an award-winning filmmaker and a fellow with the Truman National Security Project and spokeman for Operation Free who creates films and political advertising campaigns for non-profit organizations, academic institutions, government and corporate clients. Roger received a master degree in communication from Stanford University with a focus in documentary film. He has done projects for National Geographic and Frontline.