Energy And Water Development And Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

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Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. Chairman, I offer this amendment in strong support of research and development at our national laboratories. Specifically, my amendment provides a 1 percent increase in the Laboratory Directed Research and Development, which is commonly referred to as LDRD. LDRD increases the ability of laboratories to retain expertise and pursue innovative projects by providing additional discretion for Department of Energy laboratories to select research activities. These high-risk, high-reward projects yield cutting-edge advancements in science and technology and produce some of our most successful research and development initiatives. These are projects with an immediate relevance and a direct impact on national security and our goal of energy independence. Many LDRD projects have formed the basis of some of the national labs' most successful research initiatives. For example, at Sandia National Laboratories in my district, an LDRD researcher developed the chemistry for a decontamination foam that is used by our military to protect us against chemical and biological attacks. In fact, this was the foam that was used to decontaminate the Senate Hart Office Building after the anthrax attacks of 2001. We know all too well that those who wish our country harm are constantly adapting their methods, making these LDRD projects vitally important to our national security.

LDRD is equally relevant to our goal of energy independence. An LDRD project developed a manufacturing process that will substantially reduce the cost of highly efficient LED lightbulbs. These LED lightbulbs have the potential to decrease electricity consumed in lighting by a full 50 percent by 2025. This will translate into meaningful cuts in utility bills for our working families and real savings for our small businesses. Energy independence is a critical element of our national security, and LED efficiency will significantly reduce our demand for energy. These advancements represent just two examples of the multiple innovative science and technology achievements made through LDRD initiatives.

Under the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill, our labs were granted authority to use up to 8 percent of their budgets for LDRD initiatives, yet the bill before us today would reduce that amount for 2010 to only 6 percent. My amendment would allow our labs to dedicate up to 7 percent of their budgets to LDRD. It is important to note that my amendment does not require any additional spending, as the LDRD funding percentage is derived from the labs' overall funding level, nor does my amendment cut any other program. Simply put, my amendment encourages innovative research and development that will promote our national security and help us to reach our goal of energy independence. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

I yield to the gentleman from Arizona.

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