    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [February 20, 2006]
    [Pages 299-300]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Tour of United Solar Ovonic in Auburn Hills,
    Michigan
    February 20, 2006

        I just had a interesting tour of United Solar here in the State of
    Michigan. I also had the honor of meeting the inventor of a lot of the technology and the machines here. A
    couple of things struck me. One, solar technology is commercial and--
    particularly because they've figured out ways to make long rolls of this
    photovoltaic technology. That's important to help us achieve a major
    goal, which is to become less dependent on foreign sources of oil.
        I spent the day earlier in Wisconsin, where I was able to see some
    amazing technologies that will help us change the way we drive our
    automobiles. This technology right here is going to help us change the
    way we live in our homes. The ultimate goal is to have solar technology
    on your home, and that home will become a little power-generating unit
    unto itself, and that if you have extra electricity, that you could put
    it back in your grid, so you become a power producer, but you're using
    renewable sources of energy to power your homes and to fire up your
    refrigerators. And this is real. I really am thankful that the folks of
    this company gave me a chance to come and visit about it.
        The role of the Government at this point is to continue to spend
    research dollars to help push technologies forward, is to get these
    technologies to be even more competitive in the marketplace. And I'm
    calling on Congress to join us on this most important energy initiative.
    As most folks know, there's a lot of needless politics in Washington,
    DC. There's a lot of finger pointing and a lot of zero-sum attitude
    amongst the people up there. And of all the issues, becoming less
    dependent on foreign sources of energy is an issue that we ought to be
    able to unite and show the American people we can work together to help
    advance the technologies that will change the world in which we live.
        I am very excited about what I've seen here. I'm excited about the
    future, because we've got great inventors and great entrepreneurs here
    in our own country preparing for ways to enable the American people to
    get rid of our addition to oil. And that will not only enhance our
    economic security but enhance our national security as well.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:18 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Subhendu Guha, president and chief operating officer, United Solar
    Ovonic.

    [[Page 300]]