House Approves Peters Amendment To Help Bring Solar Manufacturing to Michigan

Press Release

The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the Solar Technology Roadmap Act (H.R. 3585), a bill designed to create a comprehensive national solar technology plan and authorize substantial funding for solar research and development and material production, including an amendment sponsored by Congressman Gary Peters to help bring solar technology projects to Michigan. Rep. Peters' amendment requires the Department of Energy to give preference to projects in high unemployment states like Michigan. It also requires that all research, development and manufacturing resources be allocated in the United States.

"Investments in new energy technology should be viewed through the lens of a broader U.S. manufacturing strategy. Federal resources for renewable energy R&D should be directed primarily to projects in high unemployment states, and should be allocated solely in the U.S.," said Rep. Peters. "Michigan is emerging as a leader in the domestic manufacturing of solar cells, and we have the existing infrastructure and workforce to lead the world in this field.

"However, the United States continues to lag behind China, Japan, and Europe in the production of solar energy materials. If we act now, we can ensure that our nation remains globally competitive in this emerging sector and becomes more energy independent, while creating jobs in hard hit states."

The Solar Technology Roadmap Act was approved 310-106. The legislation would require the U.S. Energy Secretary to create a comprehensive roadmapping process for solar research, development and demonstration (RD&D) activities, and authorize over $2 billion for new research partnerships and demonstration projects for solar energy technologies. The roadmap will cover a broad range of important research areas, including solar power, solar manufacturing, solar heating and cooling, and integration of solar technologies into buildings. This roadmap will give thorough recommendations on short-term, mid-term, and long-term RD&D needs and provide public and private guidance on how to effectively use RD&D funding.

H.R. 3585 has been endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), BP, IBM, Intel and National Semiconductor.

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