Tucson lawmaker’s solar technology provisions headed to the president, part of energy bill passed today
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords today called on House leaders to move quickly and adopt vital tax incentives to promote expanded use of solar energy.
“The energy bill this afternoon is good first step on our journey to a clean, secure and independent energy future,” said Giffords, a member of the House Science and Technology Committee. “But the excellent provisions of this bill must quickly be matched by incentives that help solar power become more affordable for homeowners and businesses.”
The Energy Independence and Security Act won overwhelming bipartisan support today in a 314-100 vote. The bill, which now goes to President Bush for his signature, includes measures sponsored by Giffords. They are:
Authorization for necessary research and development into cutting-edge solar technologies, including indoor solar lighting and air conditioning, and utility-scale solar applications; and
Competitive grants to create and strengthen programs to a train qualified workforce to install and maintain solar technologies.
“Diversifying our nation’s energy supply with abundant, renewable sources like the sun makes sense,” said Giffords. “It will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, combat global climate change and grow our economy.”
The Tucson lawmaker called the Energy Independence and Security Act historic legislation because it also invests in biofuel research, sets tough new efficiency standards for appliances and lighting, and increases average vehicle fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.
“This is the first congressionally-mandated vehicle fuel increase in a generation,” Giffords said. “According to a Union of Concerned Scientists study, this provision will save Arizonans $436 million annually by 2020.”
The Energy Independence and Security Act is supported by numerous organizations, including the National Resources Defense Council, Defenders of Wildlife, Sierra Club, American Farm Bureau, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and National League of Cities.
To view a clip of Giffords speaking about the bill on the floor of the House today, click on the Video Library icon on the Press Center page of the congresswoman’s website, http://giffords.house.gov/.