September 9, 2009
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-07) supported passage of H.R. 3165, the Wind Energy Research & Development Act, which authorizes $800 million for federal research assistance aimed at improving performance and reliability of wind-energy systems. As a co-sponsor of the bill, Congressman Sestak offered key support in bringing the measure to a vote. The legislation now awaits action in the Senate.
“We need to continue to spur real investment in alternative energy sources to begin our long-term transition to energy independence,” said Congressman Sestak. “No single alternative source will solve our energy and economic needs but, taken together, the range of real and viable energy options will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, significantly curb our impact on the global environment and create thousands of new jobs for Americans.”
Along with this legislation, Congressman Sestak strongly supported H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act of 2009, which he voted for, that passed the U.S. House of Representatives on June 26, 2009. Prior to passage, Congressman Sestak led an effort to ensure the final bill contained strong renewable energy requirements. Congressman Sestak also co-sponsored the American Renewable Energy Act, which would have required 25% of power generated by renewable energy by 2025, and legislation that would extend a provision of the economic stimulus to allow for grants in lieu of tax-credits for the creation of renewable power generation, such as wind mills on farms.
“We must provide a level playing field for wind and solar power, as well as emerging clean alternatives such as wave power,” said Congressman Sestak. “In the United States, over 5,200 megawatts of wind energy were installed in 2007, accounting for 30% of new power generated, an increase of 45% in just one year. We must continue that progress.”
Specifically, the Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009 would enact the following provisions
Give the Secretary of Energy the authority to implement a program of research and development to:
Improve the efficiency, reliability and capacity of wind turbines
Optimize the design and adaptability of wind systems
Reduce the cost of construction, generation and maintenance of systems
The program will focus on research and development of:
Making materials larger, lighter, more reliable and more affordable
Improving gearbox reliability and performance
Reducing manufacturing costs
Low cost transportable towers
Advanced computational modeling tools
Advanced control systems and generators
Wind technology for offshore development
Provide $200 million a year for fiscal years 2010 through 2014
Born and raised in Delaware County, former 3-star Admiral Joe Sestak served in the Navy for 31 years and now serves as the Representative from the 7th District of Pennsylvania. He led a series of operational commands at sea, including as Commander of an aircraft carrier battle group of 30 U.S. and allied ships with over 15,000 sailors and 100 aircraft that conducted operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. After 9/11, the Congressman was the first Director of “Deep Blue,” the Navy’s anti-terrorism unit that established strategic and operations policies for the “Global War on Terrorism.” He served as President Clinton’s Director for Defense Policy at the National Security Council in the White House, and holds a Ph.D. in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University. According to the office of the House Historian, the Congressman is the highest-ranking former military officer ever elected to the U.S. Congress.
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