[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12216]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY CAUCUS ON ALGAE

  (Mr. SMITH of Nebraska asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. During the height of last summer, gas prices 
hit an all-time high. Thirty years ago, in the midst of another energy 
crisis, our country began to explore turning algae into fuel. The 
microscopic, single-celled plant has the potential to be a tremendous 
resource.
  Algae grow very quickly, as anyone with a backyard garden or a 
watering tank in their pasture knows. It ingests carbon dioxide--
releasing oxygen in the process--and is laden with oils which can be 
used to produce biodiesel.
  My friends, we need to continue to explore any and all viable forms 
of research and development in this renewable energy.
  On Thursday, Members of Congress will have the chance to see what the 
future may hold for our Nation's energy resources at the Congressional 
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo. There are still hurdles to 
overcome, but now is the time to begin working for a strong and diverse 
renewable energy portfolio.

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