The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“IN RECOGNITION OF A COMMITMENT TO SOLAR ENERGY” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1565 on July 31, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF A COMMITMENT TO SOLAR ENERGY
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HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 30, 1997
Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the commitment this Congress has made to solar energy research and technology.
This Congress, following the recommendations of the Energy and Water Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, appropriated an increase of $62,960,000 over the fiscal year 1997 funding level. Specifically, Congress has continued or increased America's investment in solar energy through appropriations for solar building research, photovoltaic energy systems, biomass/biofuel energy systems, wind energy systems, and renewable energy production incentives.
Solar energy technology is made in America by companies large and small, by American workers occupying high-technology, high wage jobs. British Petroleum, for example, is the second largest solar technology manufacturer in the world and is headquartered in Cleveland, OH. Solar Cells Inc., based in Toledo, OH, is a small company, the innovations of which help make solar energy available and commercially viable throughout America.
Additionally, this Congress has underscored the significance of Federal procurement of solar technologies. In 1994, the President issued Executive Order 12902, the goal of which was to encourage cost-
effective uses of solar energy by all departments in Government. Congress has now instructed the Department of Energy to report to Congress on the progress of implementing this landmark order.
Solar energy research is a dynamic, innovative and extremely important technological advance. It is a safe, clean and renewable energy process which is becoming more and more cost effective and productive as each year passes. Solar energy may lead the way to lighting up our Nation's future on the investments we make today.
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