SOLAR TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP ACT APPROVED BY HOUSE

In a flood of press releases it was announced that U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' bipartisan legislation to boost federal research for the development of solar energy technology passed the House today with strong support from the business community.
That action can help support a new initiative here in Southeastern Arizona. Please scroll down to a posting about the Mountain Empire Energy Project

It directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a program of research, development, and demonstration for solar technology, including:

1. Photovoltaics;

2. Solar hot water and solar space heating and cooling;

3. Concentrating solar power;

4. Lighting systems that integrate sunlight and electrical lighting in complement to each other in common lighting fixtures for the purpose of improving energy efficiency;

5. Manufacturability of low cost, high-quality solar energy systems; and

6. Development of solar technology products that can be easily integrated into new and existing buildings.

The bill passed 310-106 - a somewhat skewed bipartisan piece of legislation that should probably have gotten a bigger turnout from Republicans.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was ecstatic about this future investment, stating in her press release:

"The Solar Technology Roadmap Act lays the foundation for a future of
renewable energy, sustainability, a growing economy, and good-paying jobs that
cannot be shipped overseas. This bill helps improve the performance and
reliability of solar technology, and invests in critical research and
development initiatives that will redefine how we power our homes and offices." 

A detailed summary of the bill provided by Washington Watch can be viewed here

http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_3585.html 

To see the press announcement from U.S. House Representative Gabrielle Giffords, please click here:Solar Technology Roadmap Act announcement