Bill Passes, Will Invest in New Energy and Create Jobs

October 2, 2009, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, which will boost job creation and reduce our dependence on foreign oil by investing in advanced technologies, scientific research and energy efficiency.

“This legislation will support American-made energy sources, like solar, wind, nuclear, and biomass,” said Congressman Bart Gordon, who strongly supported the bill’s passage.  “By providing short-term boosts to our economy, as well as making the long-term investments, we are creating a strong foundation for economic growth in our country.”

The Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act (H.R. 3183) invests in new technologies that will create next-generation vehicles with improved fuel efficiency, better and cleaner engines, and advanced batteries.  The bill invests in nuclear power, an energy source that currently provides 20% of the nation’s electricity.  It also helps modernize our electric grid by investing in “smart grid” technologies that will ensure efficient and reliable delivery of electricity to American homes and businesses.

“Our country has seen countless jobs shipped overseas, and the unfortunate reality is that many aren’t coming back,” said Gordon.  “We are at a defining moment, though – Nissan’s electric car and battery plant in Smyrna and the solar-technology plants in Clarksville and Cleveland are creating thousands of jobs in renewable energy industries that will help decrease our reliance on foreign oil and grow our economy.  This bill provides the Energy Department with the needed resources to continue investing in these new energy industries.”

The Energy Department will allocate these funds as competitive loans and grants through its energy assistance and research and development programs.  The bipartisan legislation is expected to be signed into law in the next few weeks.