7 Democrats Join GOP Effort To Cripple Solar Energy Research
Yesterday saw the passage of H.R. 3585, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, in the House of Representatives. If the bill passes the Senate and is signed into law by the President, it will create a Solar Technology Roadmap Committee within the Department of Energy. That committee will evaluate the progress of solar energy research, and direct grants to research projects that will are positioned to effectively assist in the development of working solar energy for the United States.
By directing to research projects that will have the most consequence, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act will increase the efficiency of government spending and increase energy efficiency for our nation as well. It’s a fiscally wise investment.
In spite of the efficiency inherent in the bill, Congressman Paul Broun took it into his head to try to cripple the Solar Technology Roadmap Act. Yesterday, he introduced an amendment to the bill that would have cut the amount of time the Solar Technology Roadmap Committee would have to work, and reduce funding for the implementation of the legislation as well.
Seven Democrats joined Paul Broun and the 154 other Republicans to vote in favor of limiting solar energy research. Those Democrats who voted against efficient energy research were:
Jason Altmire – Pennsylvania
Kathy Dahlkemper – Pennsylvania
Chaka Fattah – Pennsylvania
Bobby Bright – Alabama
Scott Murphy – New York
Walter Minnick – Idaho
Ike Skelton – Missouri
[...] week, explaining his opposition to the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, U.S. Representative Tom McClintock said he opposes solar power because it’s too expensive. [...]
Why did thest dems vote against this bill. It seems like a good idea to be fiscally responsible in directing the progress/or lack thereof in development of solar energy. It seems also that this could lead to more jobs more expediciously. No???? Also, as in education one needs an expert in acquiring available grants for research, etc.
lets hope obama comes good on his pre election promises on solar energy. The early signs look promising