July 14: Kaptur Promotes Solar Energy Development

Congresswoman Kaptur spoke in favor of solar energy as she sought to amend legislation that provides funds for the U.S. Department of Energy.

Congresswoman Kaptur referred to solar energy as a growth industry in America, creating jobs and reducing America's dependence on imported petroleum. A recent Brookings Institution study found that Toledo ranks among the top 50 metropolitan areas in the country for "green jobs." Brookings said Toledo added almost 5,000 clean energy jobs between 2003 and 2010.

"While the U.S. economy is anticipated to increase jobs by just two percent in the next year, in the solar industry that number is 26 percent," Kaptur said.

Yet the appropriations measure cuts solar energy research and development by more than one third from last year and 60 percent below the president's request.

The Kaptur Amendment would transfer $10 million from administrative expenses at the department to solar energy research and development.

"Solar is a sector that is growing jobs in our country, despite what we face in terms of international global competition," Kaptur said. "As costs go down and production capacity grows, solar energy becomes a viable energy alternative to imported energy sources.

"It is precisely because of our investments in this fledgling, cutting-edge industry that is high tech that such successes are possible. We cannot allow America to be complacent. Right now we are in competition to be the leader in this sector."

Citing competition from China in the solar sector, Kaptur said the United States "must redouble our efforts, continue our investment in research and bring this market to scale in America."

She said her amendment would "promote American industry and energy independence."