[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 5, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H14183-H14184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1315
  COMMENDING THE NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY FOR ITS WORK OF 
                PROMOTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR 30 YEARS

  Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 251) commending the National 
Renewable Energy Laboratory for its work of promoting energy efficiency 
for 30 years.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 251

       Whereas in 1977 the Solar Energy Research Institute opened 
     and was designated a National Laboratory of the United States 
     Department of Energy;
       Whereas in September 1991 President George H.W. Bush 
     changed the institute's name to the National Renewable Energy 
     Laboratory (``NREL'');
       Whereas the NREL is the principal research laboratory for 
     the United States Department of Energy's Office of Energy 
     Efficiency and Renewable Energy and also provides research 
     expertise for the Office of Science and the Office of 
     Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability;
       Whereas the NREL is the Nation's, and the world's, 
     preeminent laboratory for renewable energy and energy 
     efficiency research and development;
       Whereas renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies 
     are key to creating a clean energy future for not only the 
     United States, but the world;
       Whereas the NREL's focused research and development 
     capabilities are positioned to advance national energy goals 
     by developing innovations to change the way we power our 
     homes and businesses, and fuel our cars;
       Whereas the NREL has worked vigorously through research and 
     development to develop wind energy resulting in innovative 
     designs, larger turbines, and increased efficiencies leading 
     to dramatic reductions in energy costs;
       Whereas the NREL has also developed hydrogen energy 
     scenarios that could be used to power the future and develop 
     hydrogen infrastructure and delivery systems; and
       Whereas the NREL has developed biomass research technology, 
     which provides biomass industries with rapid analytical tools 
     for making the highest value applications of biomass or 
     analyzing biomass: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) commends the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for 
     its work of promoting energy efficiency for 30 years and 
     seeking other avenues of energy independence because it 
     enhances our national security, sustains our environment and 
     creates jobs;
       (2) recognizes the achievements of the scientists and 
     employees of the NREL and their exemplary service to the 
     United States for 30 years; and
       (3) directs the Clerk of the House to transmit a copy of 
     this resolution to the NREL for appropriate display.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. McNerney) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to 
include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 251, the resolution now 
under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I would first like to thank my good friend and colleague from 
Colorado (Mr. Perlmutter), the sponsor of this resolution, which 
recognizes the invaluable contributions of the National Renewable 
Energy Laboratory, or NREL. The gentleman from Colorado and I both 
share deep concern about our Nation's dependence on imported oil and 
the impact that fossil fuels have on our environment.
  As someone who has worked at the national laboratory, I have spent 
many years at the laboratory working as an engineer, a consultant, and 
I certainly appreciate the work that NREL does. Tucked in the foothills 
of the Rockies and looking up to the scenic Flatirons, NREL has led the 
charge in developing and deploying cost-effective energy efficiency and 
renewable energy technologies for three decades. I have been 
continually impressed by the caliber of work that this laboratory has 
put out over the years.
  New energy technology takes time to develop. It's a long, difficult 
process, but we have seen tremendous advances. For example, in wind 
energy we have seen it come from an outlying technology to where now 
it's one of the leading sources of new energy in the world. We can 
expect other forms of energy technology such as solar, geothermal, and 
energy efficiency technologies to follow that same trajectory to 
becoming cost-effective and competitive with all other forms of energy.
  The experts at NREL have played a critical role in developing a range 
of technologies that will transform our energy future. NREL scientists 
and engineers have made breakthroughs in such diverse areas as 
biofuels, wind, solar power, near zero-energy buildings, and super 
efficient cars and trucks.
  As our country works to combat climate change and achieve energy 
independence, NREL's mission is more important than ever. But staying 
ahead of the technology curve requires considerable resources and very 
smart policymaking. I am sure that the dedicated employees of NREL 
share my appreciation for this resolution and will continue their 
tireless efforts to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy 
technologies and practices to the marketplace.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 
251, commending the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for its work 
promoting energy efficiency for 30 years. NREL, the National Renewable 
Energy Laboratory, based in Golden, Colorado, is the hub of our 
Nation's work into renewable and alternative energy research and 
development.
  Since 1977, when it began as the Solar Energy Research Institute 
before changing its name in 1991, NREL has received many accolades and 
many awards. In the past 30 years, NREL has received 39 R&D 100 awards, 
as well as hundreds of Scientific and Technical Society honors and 
awards, Technology Transfer awards, and Department of Energy and other 
agency awards.
  NREL's success has continued under the leadership of its current 
director, Dr. Dan Arvizu, who has made the transferring of technologies 
from the lab to the marketplace a real priority. It's through this 
``technical transfer'' that we see inventions and discoveries at work 
in the real world and not sitting on a proverbial shelf collecting 
proverbial dust.

[[Page H14184]]

  As we have reached a time in our energy history that we are realizing 
more and more the importance of and the place that renewable and 
alternative forms of energy have in our current and future energy mix, 
NREL's significance and prominence as a world leader in this field is 
becoming increasingly evident and appreciated. The resolution before us 
today recognizes NREL for its 30 years of service to our country. I am 
proud that such a facility exists in this great country of ours. I 
could only be prouder if it were in my home State of Texas.
  I thank Dr. Arvizu and all the scientists and employees at NREL. You 
serve our country and serve our future very well.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent 
Resolution 251.
  With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McNERNEY. I thank the gentleman from Texas for his remarks.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. 
Perlmutter).
  Mr. PERLMUTTER. Thank you, Mr. McNerney, and I want to thank Mr. 
Hall. All of you are supporting this particular resolution, and it is 
one that is apropos for our time right now. We need to reduce our 
dependence on foreign oil, and the National Renewable Energy Lab, NREL, 
which is about three blocks from my house, is the leading organization 
in the world for developing energy efficiency technologies and 
renewable energy technologies.
  Today, I rise to honor and commend that laboratory, which is the 
premier in the country. In 1977 the Solar Energy Research Institute 
opened and was designated a national laboratory of the Department of 
Energy. In 1991, President George Bush changed the institute's name to 
the National Renewable Energy Lab, which I will call NREL.
  NREL is the principal research laboratory for the Department of 
Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and also 
provides research expertise for the Office of Science. Changing our 
energy policy and developing a new direction for energy was and is a 
high priority for Americans across the country. We must reduce our 
dependency on foreign oil and we must increase our supply of renewable 
energy. We cannot afford the status quo any longer.
  Leadership in the House on both sides of the aisle has shown this 
understanding for the increase in renewable energy and energy 
efficiency across the country, and for the first time in a long time 
this Congress passed a budgetary increase to the Office of Energy 
Efficiency and to the Office of Science so that NREL can continue its 
vital and important research and development in these particular areas.
  NREL has advanced our national energy goals by developing innovative 
ways to change the way we power our homes and businesses and fuel our 
cars. They have developed competitions for solar cars and energy 
efficient homes. In fact, many times the races have ended here in 
Washington, DC, and we have had on the mall these competitions among 
our colleges and brightest kids as to how to make our buildings more 
energy efficient.
  NREL has worked to develop biomass, solar, wind, geothermal, 
hydrogen, and the list goes on, types of renewable energy, and it has 
worked on both renewable energy for buildings, as I said, as well as 
renewable fuels for vehicles. Now more than ever we must seek ways to 
increase production of renewable energy and make our country more 
energy efficient, and NREL is helping to do just that. By seeking and 
creating avenues to develop renewable energy and improve our energy 
efficiency, we can strengthen our national security, protect our 
environment, and create thousands and thousands of new jobs.
  I commend NREL on its work for the past 30 years, and I look forward 
to their work in the next 30 years. I thank the 1,200 current employees 
and the past employees who helped make NREL the leader that it is 
today. I thank the gentleman from Texas and the gentleman from 
California as well as the Speaker for helping me with this bill and 
commending this laboratory for the good work that it does.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I don't have any further speakers or any 
further comments, but I just want to point out that NREL has done a 
fine job. I want to see this institution and this government support 
and continue to support that kind of work that is going on in northern 
Colorado.
  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Con. Res. 251, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the National 
Renewable Energy Laboratory, NREL, in Colorado. The facility serves our 
Nation as the chief research laboratory for energy efficiency and 
renewable energy for the Department of Energy. As the co-chair of the 
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, I am proud to celebrate 
this organization and its invaluable work to set our country on a 
course towards sustainable energy practices.
  The range of research areas at NREL is remarkable; from hydrogen-
storing carbon nanotubes for fuel cell-powered vehicles to 
architectural computer design tools for low-energy construction to 
``smart windows'' which automatically tint in order to cut the cost of 
air conditioning, NREL has developed cutting-edge technology for 30 
years. NREL's National Wind Technology Center, located in my district, 
has helped push forward development of more efficient and economic wind 
turbines, which are critical to making the wind industry an important 
player in our Nation's energy markets. NREL will continue to be a 
leader on important research and development in these critical areas.
  NREL continues to be an important resource for the people of 
Colorado. NREL is a critical participant in the Colorado Renewable 
Energy Collaboratory Agreement, which also includes the University of 
Colorado at Boulder, the Colorado School of Mines and Colorado State 
University. The Collaboratory will not only advance new energy 
research, but it will also encourage quicker transfer of new technology 
to energy businesses. For example, the new Colorado Center for 
Biorefining and Biofuels, C2B2, partners NREL and the Collaboratory 
with Colorado businesses to help reduce our dependence on foreign 
sources of oil while researching commercially viable biofuel 
technologies.
  NREL and its employees continue a tradition of service to the 
community. Hundreds of NREL employees have completed over 43 community 
service projects in the past 5 years. NREL has focused community 
efforts for its 30th anniversary on helping the ``Family Tree'' 
organization, which provides assistance to the homeless and victims of 
domestic violence.
  On a personal note, I have greatly enjoyed working with NREL 
scientists and staff, including NREL's former Director, Vice Admiral 
Richard Truly, and NREL's current Director, Dr. Dan Arvizu. I have 
great respect for both men and look forward to continuing to work with 
Dr. Arvizu for many years to come.
  As the world demands sustainable energy solutions in a new era of 
energy awareness, I am confident that the talented scientists, 
engineers, and researchers at NREL will continue to lead our country 
and the world forward in expanding and improving our energy resources. 
I join my colleagues in recognizing NREL for its 30 years of service 
and look forward to many years to come.

                              {time}  1330

  Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 251.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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