With the rapid expansion of alternative energy, DoD is increasingly called on to review the compatibility of proposed wind, solar, transmission, and other projects with military activities. The Secretary of Defense established the DoD Siting Clearinghouse in 2010 to provide a timely, transparent, and repeatable process that can evaluate potential impacts and explore mitigation options, while preserving the DoD mission.

In January 2011, Congress codified the DoD initiative with specific direction in section 358 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act For 2011, Public Law 111-383. This legislation changed the nature of how DoD communicates with external stakeholders, and significantly raised the bar in terms of when and how DoD may object to project proposals.

The Deputy Secretary of Defense, acting as the Clearinghouse Senior Officer, chartered a Board of Directors that includes representatives from each Service, the Joint Staff, Homeland Defense, and Office of the Secretary of Defense.

DoD Siting Clearinghouse Board of Directors