[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 107 (Thursday, June 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONNECTICUT CLEAN ENERGY FUND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2008

  Mr. COURTNEY. In December 2007, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund 
(CCEF) Board announced a $1.18 million grant to the Lee Company's 
Westbrook production facility for the development of a solar 
photovoltaic system. On Friday, June 27, 2008 the Lee Company will 
celebrate the returns on these investments: Connecticut's largest solar 
photovoltaic system at a manufacturing facility. I rise today to 
recognize this monumental achievement and commend the Lee Company and 
the CCEF's leadership with facilitating a greener Connecticut for 
current and future generations.
  In 1948, the Lee Company was founded by Leighton Lee II in eastern 
Connecticut. Over the past six decades, the Lee Company has transformed 
the original Connecticut regional offices into a national presence. 
Today, the company remains one of the foremost developers and 
manufacturers of fluid control components for aerospace systems.
  The CCEF was established by Connecticut's General Assembly in 2000. 
Since inception, the CCEF, administered by Connecticut Innovations, has 
invested millions of dollars in renewable energy projects throughout 
Connecticut, focusing on solar, biomass, wind, hydro, and wave power. 
In my district alone, the Fund has provided nearly $14 million in 
incentive grants for 207 alternative energy projects. Current operating 
renewable energy projects are estimated to generate 5 million kWh and 
eliminate over 4.1 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over the 
course of each year.
  As important as the state's help was in this project, it was the 
vision and determination of the Lee Company that really made the 
project's exciting transformation of its energy system possible. The 
CCEF's incentive grant to the Lee Company, which covered half the cost 
of the 308-kilowatt photovoltaic system at the Westbrook production 
facility, is one of the largest in the state of Connecticut. Once 
operating, the photovoltaic system will provide 19 percent of the 
energy used at the facility. When the system is not in use, energy 
production credits will be deducted from the company's electric bill.
  In addition to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas 
emissions, these investments will generate new economic growth and 
opportunity. The Lee Company employs more than 100 individuals at the 
Westbrook production facility and more than 800 people throughout the 
state. These investments will allow for the continued growth of the 
company and expanded employment opportunities throughout Connecticut.
  Madam Speaker, our Nation is at a critical turning point. For the 
strength of our economy and health of our environment, investments in 
clean, renewable energy are needed now more than ever. I ask my 
colleagues to join with me and my constituents in recognizing these 
renewable energy achievements and supporting similar initiatives in 
their districts.

                          ____________________