[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H5448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1930
                  SOLAR AND THE RENEWABLE ENERGY EXPO

  (Ms. GIFFORDS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, many Members tonight are speaking on 
energy efficiency and renewable energy because they represent 
tremendous sources of barely tapped potential to help our Nation save 
money, increase energy independence and reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions.
  This week the House Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucus is 
drawing attention to these important opportunities by sponsoring the 
annual Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo. The event will run 
all day on Thursday in the Cannon Caucus room. It will feature over 50 
companies and advocacy groups explaining the latest and greatest in 
energy.
  Coming from southern Arizona, it's no surprise that my favorite type 
of renewable energy, of course, is the sun. And this is an exciting 
time for solar power. Technologies are rapidly improving, and costs are 
falling.
  Solar power is already cost-competitive with peak power in many areas 
of the country. Many experts believe that it is on track to be 
competitive all day long within just a few years.
  I urge my colleagues to stop by the expo on Thursday and learn more 
about these exciting contributions that energy efficiency and renewable 
energy will make to our future.

                          ____________________