Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel voted to approve legislation which provides long-term solutions to America’s energy and water needs. The measure will also create jobs with investments in new technology, scientific research and conservation efforts. Contained in the funding bill, passed by the House by a vote of 320 to 97, is $300,000 for Rockland Community College (RCC) science laboratories.

H.R. 3183, the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, invests in such programs as solar energy, biofuels and energy efficient buildings. “I believe the investments made in this bill are important steps in the right direction, especially as it relates to biofuels and energy efficiency. I have repeatedly said that America’s energy independence is not only a top priority, but a national security issue. We must break our addiction to foreign oil and the best way of doing that is to provide alternative fuels,” said Rep. Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Funding for RCC will be used to upgrade and replace six science labs supporting instruction in biology, engineering, and physics. “This funding would greatly aid Rockland Community College in training our next generation of scientists. Congress has been making a substantial investment in education, specifically in scientific research, beginning with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and $17 billion invested in scientific research and billions more into education,” said Rep. Engel. “RCC plays such an important role in the economic development of Rockland County, as well as the educational development of Rockland’s youth.”

“It is very important for the college to have state-of-the-art science laboratories. We have a large nursing program and it is crucial to have these upgrades in order to give them a quality education. We are really grateful to Congressman Engel for all he has done and continues to do for our school,” said RCC President Cliff Wood.

In addition, the bill will modernize the electric grid by investing in “smart grid” technology to ensure the cheaper and more efficient delivery of electricity to homes and businesses. There is also an increase in funds for weatherization grants to help families save money and energy and reduce their utility bills by improving their home’s energy efficiency.

“I believe that we can further development of biofuels by implementing an Open Fuel Standard. This would require new cars manufactured or sold in the United States to be flex fuel vehicles capable of burning any combination of gasoline, ethanol or methanol. The cost would be at most $100 per vehicle, or perhaps significantly less. This would provide a market for advanced biofuels that will help wean us from our present, dangerous dependency on foreign oil,” added Rep. Engel

The legislation also includes increases in funding to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers – including $1 million to implement the New York City Watershed agreement in conjunction with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This funding was secured by Rep. Engel, along with Rep. John Hall.

This action was a major step in the appropriations process. The full Senate is also working on their version of the bill, and the differences between the two bills will need to be ironed out in conference. “I remain hopeful the funding contained in this measure for the 17th District of New York, will remain in the final version, and I am working with my colleagues to ensure it is,” added Rep. Engel.