[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     BP DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL

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                           HON. JOHN J. HALL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 30, 2010

  Mr. HALL of New York. Madam Speaker, the tragic BP Deepwater Horizon 
oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has cost the nation billions of dollars 
in economic damages to the United States, as well as widespread 
devastation of our natural resources. There is an immediate need to 
act--to stop the leak, clean up the oil, and repair our fragile economy 
and ecosystem. But we will be making an irreparable mistake if we do 
not take this opportunity to examine our energy needs for the future.
  Historians will look back on this era as a turning point. The BP 
disaster and its resulting damage to our economy and to nature will 
reshape Americans' support for renewable energy versus continued 
dependence on oil.
  It is impossible for us to comprehend the magnitude of the oil spill 
in the Gulf; we may not be able to calculate the true costs for years. 
But in the midst of unprecedented tragedy, we see hopeful signs of 
change.
  The military--one of the largest users of energy--is looking at 
alternative sources of power. In my district in New York's Hudson 
Valley, the United States Military Academy at West Point is beginning 
to use solar and wind energy.
  Renewable energy is being produced in other places unimaginable not 
long ago. More than 1,300 billboards in Florida will be converted to 
solar and wind energy by the Lamar Advertising Company. This is notable 
because it showcases renewable energy as a practical and accepted 
corporate solution.
  Further, billboards are visible. The solar panels and small wind 
turbines will create awareness about renewable energy, sending a 
message that renewable energy is not some far away idealist dream. It's 
doable, and it's doable now.
  The kilowatt production from this project will be significant. Just 
as important, the hardware is made in the United States. In Times 
Square, office equipment provider Ricoh just completed a solar-powered 
electronic billboard. Hardware came from companies based in California, 
Ohio, and Rhode Island.
  Renewable energy is a growth industry here at home. In my 
congressional district, a solar-cell company moved into existing 
manufacturing space, which had been vacant. Where did the previous jobs 
go? China.
  My congressional district is also home to SpectraWatt, which has 
started to manufacture advanced silicon photovoltaic cells at the 
Hudson Valley Research Park in Hopewell Junction, NY. When I toured 
this facility with Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis in late March, 60 
people were on the payroll. Since then, nine additional employees have 
been hired and additional hires are expected soon.
  As we ponder the sobering consequences of the BP oil spill in the 
Gulf, I ask my colleagues to not only look at our immediate crisis, but 
to also consider an energy policy that spurs the development of 
renewable technologies. As we invest in renewable energy and rebuild 
our energy infrastructure, we can also boost our manufacturing base and 
create a broad array of quality jobs. Now is the time to rebuild: our 
economy and our environment depend on us.

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