Fort Knox’s energy independence was secured in the 2019 federal defense policy bill passed Thursday by the U.S. House of Representatives.
Kentucky lawmakers worked to insert language into the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act to allow Fort Knox to continue producing natural gas. The $716 billion authorization bill also includes a 2.6 percent pay raise for service members and $26 million for a digital air/ground integration range at Fort Knox.
The local post overhauled its energy program after the 2009 ice storm. Starting in 2015, it has used its own energy resources to power the post and is no longer dependent on the power grid. It was the first military installation to do so. The energy program is expected to save the Army about $8 million annually.