Harkin Welcomes President's Call For Increased Investment In Renewable Energy

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement in response to President Obama's first speech to a joint session of Congress, where the President announced that his budget will invest fifteen billion dollars a year to develop technologies like wind power and solar power; advanced biofuels, clean coal, and more fuel-efficient cars and trucks. Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

"It was already a new day when President Obama took office and with his first address to Congress we understand how the he intends to make it a better day for all Americans. And that will come from the investments President Obama pledged to make in renewable energy.

"The economic recovery plan signed into law will double this nation's supply of renewable energy in the next three years. But I am encouraged that the President intends to go even further, recognizing that renewable energy from homegrown sources - many of which are grown in my home state of Iowa - will not only free our dependence from foreign oil, but also improve energy efficiency and create jobs."

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