Whitfield Supports Promotion of New Energy Technologies

From the Office of Congressman Ed Whitfield
Friday, October 23, 2009

Legislation Could Help Bring Jobs to Christian and Todd Counties

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-01) supported legislation this week which will promote the use of solar technology and, in turn, help diversify our nation’s energy portfolio and aid an industry which could bring new jobs to the First Congressional District.

“While coal continues to be our nation’s cheapest and most abundant energy source, it is important to explore all alternatives which could diversify our nation’s energy portfolio and bring new industry to western Kentucky,” Whitfield said. “This legislation will go a long way in promoting alternative energy use while supporting an industry that could bring new jobs and economic benefits to many of our local communities.”

The House passed, and Whitfield supported, H.R. 3585, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act. The bill encourages research, development and demonstration of solar energy technologies.

The Solar Technology Roadmap Act increases federal funding to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and calls for the creation of a plan by a private/public committee to help focus research and development efforts. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Energy to award grants to companies and organizations to promote the use of solar technology. Furthermore, under the legislation DOE will be charged with appointing a group of experts to create a long-term plan to guide solar energy research and its transition into commercial uses. The group would identify research and development that needs to occur to help improve the performance and reliability of solar technologies, decrease cost, and mitigate any negative environmental impacts.

Hemlock Semiconducter, which produces polycrystalline silicon used to make solar cells, is currently constructing a $1.2 billion plant in Clarksville, Tennessee. As a result, five major companies, known as “co-locators,” are looking to build facilities in the surrounding area to support production at the Hemlock plant. Several counties in the First Congressional District, including Christian and Todd, are in talks with these co-locators to bring their businesses to the Commonwealth. These plants could bring new jobs and significant economic benefits to southwestern Kentucky.