Cl7527956 • DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 1010 DEFENSE PENTAGON WASHINGTON DC 20301·1010 SEP 3 0 1997 Honorable Strobe Talbott Deputy Secretary of State Washington DC 20520-7250 Dear Mr Talbott The Department of Defense DoD supports the President's effort to forge an international consensus to address climate change The effects of significant climate change would impede sustainable development and promote regional instability - imposing serious dangers to our nation and the world · This is why we are co-chairing the Federal Leadership Committee on Climate Change and- are supporting our Government's efforts to prepare for the new protocol t9 the Framework •· Convention on Climate Cliange scheduled for signing in December 1997 in Kyoto We strongly believe however that this protocol must protect national security by preserving the Nation's ability to conduct military operations with trained forces We need to make sure that the protocol protects military tactical and strategic systems including space systems used in readiness training and in support of national or collective security humanitarian activities peacekeeping peace enforcement or United Nations NATO and other multinational actions Any other · commitments by the Admizi istration for greenhouse gas emission reductions by federal agencies should also preserve the ability to conduct military operations with trained forces I want to emphasize that what we are seeking addresses only military operations and readiness This does not include facilities or non-tactical vehicles Indeed DoD reduced its average facility energy use by 15 5% between 1985 and 1996 The Department will continue to be a leader in energy conservation and efficiency and in reducing greenhouse gas emissions Reducing energy consumption can be both financially and operationally beneficial to the · Departmen t and the Department is committed to pursue such reductions to the extent consistent with national security Sincerely ·