[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 21379-21380]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    NEXTENERGY CENTER GRAND OPENING

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 27, 2005

  Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
NextEnergy, a non-profit organization in my district of Detroit. It is 
a leader in the development and research of technologies that will make 
our nation more energy independent.
  On September 29, leaders from Michigan and around the country will 
celebrate the grand opening of the NextEnergy Center, a state-of-the-
art alternative energy innovation center. This is a wonderful day for 
everyone interested in making sure that Michigan is at the forefront of 
alternative technologies which will create jobs and ensure energy 
security with economic growth in the years ahead. As a member of the 
House Appropriations Committee, I have been a supporter of 
Congressional funding for this effort, and I have no doubt that this 
federal investment will pay many dividends.
  At the beginning of the 20th century, the City of Detroit and the 
State of Michigan revolutionized personal transportation with the 
development and production of motor vehicles. The automobile industry 
became a key part of our state's heritage and way of life.
  Now at the dawn of the 21st century, we need to find new ways to 
power our cars and

[[Page 21380]]

trucks. We want to develop better systems to improve energy efficiency 
and reduce air pollution. And we know that there is no better place to 
lead this new effort than from the heart of the Motor City. We have the 
knowledge, the talent, the expertise, the creativity, and the drive to 
get the job done.
  With the opening of the NextEnergy Center, another important 
milestone has been reached. It will showcase a new breed of emerging 
technologies. From my discussions with the automobile companies and 
other industry leaders, I know that advanced technologies offer great 
promise for the future. But much research and testing is still required 
before some are commercially viable. That is why the NextEnergy Center 
is so important and will play a vital role in developing breakthroughs.
  By working with the automotive, electric power and defense 
industries, NextEnergy offers an exciting mix of opportunities. I am 
pleased that companies from Minnesota, New York, Texas and other states 
recognize the value of this effort and are signing up to do business.
  The commitment to alternative energy innovation will ultimately 
address the needs of consumers, train a new generation of workers and 
lay the foundation for technologies in the marketplace. The future is 
bright for NextEnergy and I am pleased to be a supporter.

                          ____________________