Wind Energy Research And Development Act Of 2009
Floor Speech
Wind Energy Research And Development Act Of 2009
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I am pleased that today we are considering H.R. 3165, the Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009.
The United States has enough wind energy resources to meet all of our electricity needs several times over, but experience over the last several years has shown that many significant technical issues remain before wind can serve as a major provider of base-load electricity. This bipartisan bill will establish a far more comprehensive research, development and demonstration program for wind technologies at the Department of Energy than currently exists. It is based on several recent assessments of the challenges that need to be overcome for wind power to reach its full potential in the United States and has been fully endorsed by the American Wind Energy Association.
If enacted, H.R. 3165 would become the first law to set an authorization level for wind research and development since DOE's immediate predecessor, the Energy Research and Development Administration, was established in 1975. As we continue to develop a national energy strategy, this will provide crucial guidance for the Department in the years ahead.
I would like to thank my colleagues on the Science and Technology Committee on both sides of the aisle for working with me to make this bill as strong as possible. In particular, I have great thanks for our chairman of the committee, who has made a stalwart effort in advancing our legislation.
In addition to the two Democratic amendments offered, we approved all five Republican amendments offered by voice vote. Thus, the bill ensures geographic diversity, coordination across the Federal Government, and a merit-reviewed award process, among other important provisions.
I ask my colleagues in the House to support H.R. 3165, and look forward to working with our counterparts in the Senate to get this to the President's desk as soon as possible.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source