Sen. Cornyn Tours Wind Science Center At Texas Tech; Highlights Important Wind And Alternative Energy Research Being Done At Facility

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Sen. Cornyn Tours Wind Science Center At Texas Tech; Highlights Important Wind And Alternative Energy Research Being Done At Facility

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, was in Lubbock today and toured the Wind Science and Engineering (WISE) Research Center at Texas Tech University. Joining Sen. Cornyn for the tour were Texas Tech University Systems Regent Mark Griffin, WISE Center faculty members and students, and Texas Department of Transportation Commissioner Fred Underwood. Sen. Cornyn and the local leaders discussed the important research and development underway at the facility, and his efforts in Washington, DC to support Texas' alternative energy industries.

"I'm pleased that facilities like the Wind Science and Engineering Research Center here at Texas Tech University have taken a leading role in expanding wind and alternative energy production. With energy prices taking a toll on families in Texas and across the nation, we need to explore every available energy source, and I'm proud that Texas leads the nation in wind energy production. By taking the lead in finding new ways to harvest energy, Texas Tech and local communities will help bring down energy costs, while creating new jobs and strengthening the local economy.

"I appreciate the opportunity to meet with local and university officials and discuss the good work being done here at Texas Tech. I will continue to stay in close contact with local leaders to ensure the priorities of Lubbock and other West Texas communities are being addressed on the federal level," Sen. Cornyn said.

Texas Tech was recently awarded a $1 million grant from the Texas Workforce Commission to support the creation of the Texas Wind Energy Institute at the WISE Center. Sen. Cornyn's visit to the Institute allowed him to see firsthand the cutting-edge research, training and new doctoral degree program that is preparing university students for careers in the emerging wind industry in Texas.

As the debate on how to reduce our dependence on foreign energy continues in Congress, Sen. Cornyn remains committed to pursuing policies that boost domestic energy production. Texas is the nation's leader in wind energy production and Sen. Cornyn recently supported the extension of renewable energy tax credits that will encourage the growth of this promising industry in Texas. The Senate passed legislation that extends credits for wind power, geothermal, biomass, hydropower, solar energy, fuel cell, and residential energy-efficient property. Sen. Cornyn believes we must invest in the research and development of these alternative sources of energy that can play a vital role in meeting our future energy needs.

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