House of Representatives Votes to Strengthen Renewables Research

The House of Representatives has passed H.R.6203, the Alternative Energy Research and Development Act, introduced by Energy Subcommittee Chairman Judy Biggert (R-IL).

It covers a wide range of energy technologies, including batteries, biofuels, hydrogen, solar, wind, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, as well as energy programs such as green buildings and green energy education. An earlier version of the bill (H.R. 5656) passed the Science Committee in June.

H.R. 6203 includes language that was originally in the following bills:

H.R.5634, Advanced Energy Initiative Act of 2006, by Chairman Biggert;
H.R.5633, Energy Efficient Buildings Act of 2006, by Chairman Biggert;
H.R.5643, Energy Technology Transfer Act, by Chairman Biggert;
H.R.5538 Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2006, by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX);
H.R.5594, Solar Utilization Now (SUN) Demonstration Act of 2006, by Rep. Smith;
H.R.5644, Green Energy Education Act of 2006, by Rep. Michael T. McCaul (R-TX).

Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) said, “We have to face the fact that we cannot meet today’s energy needs ­ much less tomorrow’s ­ with yesterday’s energy infrastructure and technology,” Chairman Biggert said. “We must reduce our reliance on expensive natural gas and Middle Eastern oil, and instead encourage the use of clean, efficient alternatives like renewable fuels, hydrogen, and nuclear power. H.R. 6203 focuses federal research efforts on overcoming key technical challenges to widespread use of advanced energy technologies and alternative fuels.”

H.R. 6203 authorizes the President’s Advanced Energy Initiative, which includes funding for solar, wind and hydrogen research and development (R&D). The bill also creates programs at the Department of Energy to demonstrate plug-in hybrid vehicles and solar power technologies, to encourage the design of green buildings, and to offer energy extension services. Finally, it asks the National Academy of Sciences to further study and refine its recommendation to create an Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E). The bill authorizes new appropriations of approximately $402 million over five years for energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application.