Rules Approves Solar Energy Legislation For House Consideration

WASHINGTON- The House Rules Committee met this afternoon and approved a rule for consideration of H.R. 3585, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act. The bill will be on the House floor this week.

“A wise investment in solar energy is one of the smartest things this country can do to become energy efficient and energy independent,” said House Rules Chairwoman Louise Slaughter. “Using technology to harness the sun’s power, along with promoting industries and individuals who are pursuing these goals, makes our country less dependent on unstable foreign sources of oil.”

The bill does the following:

• Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) program for solar technology;
• Directs the Secretary of Energy to award merit-based grants for the conduct of solar RD&D activities;
• Directs the Secretary to appoint a Solar Technology Roadmap Committee, who shall create a Solar Technology Roadmap that presents the RD&D needs in solar technology and provides guidance for solar technology RD&D activities supported by the Federal government;
• The Solar Technology Roadmap Committee would consist of 11 members, with terms varying from 2-4 years.  At least one-third and not more than one-half of the members of the Committee shall come from the domestic solar technology industry;
• Exempts the Solar Technology Roadmap Committee from the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act;
• Authorizes DOE to conduct at least 10 photovoltaic demonstration projects;
• Authorizes $350 million for FY2011, increasing year-by-year to $550 million for FY2015;
• Requires that a certain percentage of funds authorized in the bill be dedicated to RD&D activities identified by and recommended under the Roadmap, starting with 30 percent in FY2012, increasing to 75 percent for FY2015;
• Reauthorizes solar research activities established in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

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House of Representatives
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