[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1565]]



             IN RECOGNITION OF A COMMITMENT TO SOLAR ENERGY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 1997

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the commitment this 
Congress has made to solar energy research and technology.
  This Congress, following the recommendations of the Energy and Water 
Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, appropriated an 
increase of $62,960,000 over the fiscal year 1997 funding level. 
Specifically, Congress has continued or increased America's investment 
in solar energy through appropriations for solar building research, 
photovoltaic energy systems, biomass/biofuel energy systems, wind 
energy systems, and renewable energy production incentives.
  Solar energy technology is made in America by companies large and 
small, by American workers occupying high-technology, high wage jobs. 
British Petroleum, for example, is the second largest solar technology 
manufacturer in the world and is headquartered in Cleveland, OH. Solar 
Cells Inc., based in Toledo, OH, is a small company, the innovations of 
which help make solar energy available and commercially viable 
throughout America.
  Additionally, this Congress has underscored the significance of 
Federal procurement of solar technologies. In 1994, the President 
issued Executive Order 12902, the goal of which was to encourage cost-
effective uses of solar energy by all departments in Government. 
Congress has now instructed the Department of Energy to report to 
Congress on the progress of implementing this landmark order.
  Solar energy research is a dynamic, innovative and extremely 
important technological advance. It is a safe, clean and renewable 
energy process which is becoming more and more cost effective and 
productive as each year passes. Solar energy may lead the way to 
lighting up our Nation's future on the investments we make today.

                          ____________________