Congressman Teague Votes To Invest In Solar Technology

Press Release

Thursday, October 22nd, Congressman Harry Teague voted to boost job creation and provide real solutions to our energy needs through the Solar Technology Roadmap Act. The legislation establishes a comprehensive process to facilitate the research, development and demonstration of American solar technology in partnership with the private sector.

"The Solar Technology Roadmap Act will allow southern New Mexico to truly take advantage of our abundant natural resources while promoting job creation in our own energy sector," said Congressman Harry Teague. "I am pleased to be able to support a bill that creates a strategic and smart plan for our country's energy future. By pledging to grow American-made solar energy now, we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil and spur economic growth for future generations."

Congressman Teague worked with local solar energy expert, Dr. Abbas Ghassemi from NMSU's College of Engineering to craft an amendment that was included in the bill to provide for increased input from technology providers, manufacturers and innovative researchers in the solar mapping.

The Roadmap will lay out both short and long term objectives for solar technology research and development while accounting for, and mitigating, any negative environmental impacts. It will provide a path forward to make solar technology more dependable and widely available to American consumers. The bill also authorizes the Department of Energy to award grants to entrepreneurs, research agencies and academic laboratories that are leading the field in solar tech development and solar manufacturing.

The legislation also includes a provision for the Secretary of Energy to appoint an 11-member Solar Technology Roadmap Committee to write, review and update a Solar Technology Roadmap. It passed the House by a vote of 310-106.

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