[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.

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