Officials say the production and distribution of oil is a national energy security issue
January 12, 2026
Putin’s War on Ukraine has shown how fossil fuels are making our world less safe and increasing the dependency of democratic countries on autocratic dictators. President Trump’s abduction of Venezuela’s authoritarian ruler was, in part, apparently meant to increase oil production for American corporations. It is another prime example of how the production and distribution of oil is a national energy security issue.
The deployment of US troops to secure another country’s natural resources, in this case fossil fuels, without any discussions with Congress before taking action is in violation of the War Powers Act. The use of fossil fuels increases the warming of the world, and is a threat multiplier as it makes needed food and water resources scarce, and can potentially put our troops in harm’s way.
According to Elected Officials to Protect America, (EOPA) the world needs less oil production and more clean energy solutions enacted.
“A clean energy future is a secure and prosperous future. As a veteran, I know many who fought and worked hard to protect our democratic values and lands,” said Alex Cornell du Houx, former Maine State Representative, Marine combat veteran, President of the Elected Officials to Protect America (EOPA), and Co-Founder. “The war in Ukraine and continued armed action for oil is a clear warning to the world, illustrating how our dependence on a single source of energy creates instability. On the positive side, distributed clean energy is secure, costs less, and creates prosperity.”
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is a prime example of how dependency of fossil fuels is making the world more dangerous. The good news is that distributed clean energy is protecting Ukrainians and today and making them more resilient from continued attacks.
Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has installed 800 MW and about 258 MW of wind power. Nineteen of the wind turbines are within 60 miles of the frontline, and they are all still generating power because wind turbines are extremely hard to target. Recently, a 200 MW battery plant went online – the largest in Eastern Europe, adding more resilience and security. Additionally, 23 percent more electric vehicles were purchased in Ukraine than a year ago.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, renewables are the cheapest form of power today.
“For decades fossil fuels have fueled the climate crisis while Big Oil has made astronomical profits. These corporations have not listened to health experts, communities or victims who have been suffering from cancers, asthma and extreme weather devastation. Oil is still fueling the war in Ukraine and our oil companies are poised to go back into Venezuela to begin producing dirty crude again,” said Berkeley Council Member Igor A. Tregub, Elected Officials to Protect America (EOPA) California Leadership Council Member. “Fossil fuels present a clear and present danger here and around the world. Meanwhile, clean energy solutions, like solar and wind, have in many cases become more cost-effective to use than fossil fuels, even with Trump’s elimination of tax credits and massive propping up of subsidies for dirty fuels. The transition to clean power is inevitable and will make all of us more safe.”
Elected Officials to Protect America (EOPA) is highlighting its Energy Security Marshall Plan for Ukraine to help Ukraine rebuild a clean energy economy with the security of knowing that they won’t be vulnerable to oil and gas fluctuations, and the dangers of being dependent on fossil fuels ever again. EOPA developed the Marshall Plan working with Ukrainians, US elected officials who are veterans and United Kingdom lawmakers. The latter passed the equivalent of an US Congressional resolution in support of the plan.
Millions of Ukrainians are suffering in frigid winter temperatures without electricity. Over 10 million souls have been forced to leave Ukraine. The world can help rebuild the infrastructure that has been hit by drones and missiles with distributed, smart microgrids, supported by batteries and make Ukraine more resilient right now.
As Ukraine restores and rebuilds, the country is calling on the private sector to support one of Europe’s most urgent and fastest clean energy transitions.