Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District spoke on the House floor this afternoon on an amendment to the Foreign Relations Authorization Act that she offered with Congressman Harry Teague of New Mexico and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona. The amendment passed by voice vote.  Below are Titus’ remarks as prepared.

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise today in strong support of the Teague-Titus-Giffords amendment to establish a Global Clean Energy Exchange Program.  This new program will strengthen research, educational exchange, and international cooperation with the aim of promoting the development and deployment of clean and efficient energy technologies.

“The development of next generation solar, wind, geothermal, carbon capture and storage, and other clean energy technologies that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil is going to take cooperative efforts from every corner of the world.  Our amendment provides much-needed support for educational exchange programs dedicated to developing clean energy and energy efficient technologies.  These exchange programs between the United States and other countries will be available to teachers, students, and entrepreneurs.  In addition to promoting the development and deployment of clean energy technology, this program will help address issues of energy poverty in developing countries and extend the reach of American clean energy technologies and innovation that can be beneficial to developing countries.

“As a college professor, I understand the special value this type of educational exchange would provide for all participants. And equally important, this program will help make the United States the face of the new clean energy economy around the world.

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to Mr. Teague and Ms. Giffords for their work on this important amendment.  I urge its passage.”

Click here for the text of the amendment.

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Tags: energy