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House Adopts Solar Energy Roadmap Bill
On October 22, the House of Representatives passed the Solar Technology Roadmap Act [H.R. 3585] on a vote of 310 to 106. H.R. 3585 directs the Department of Energy to assemble a group of experts from industry, academia, and government labs to create a roadmap of short-, medium- and long-term goals to guide the development and of solar energy in the United States. The measure also contains funding to help industry with research, development and deployment of solar energy technologies in the United States.
Speaking in favor of the bill, Rep. Levin said, “The solar industry is already creating jobs in Michigan and across the country, and this energy resource has the potential to create thousands more jobs if we make the right investments. You can’t begin a journey without knowing where you’re going. If we want to expand solar energy and renewable energy jobs here in the United States, then we need to have a plan to guide solar energy research, development and demonstration.”
To read Rep. Levin’s statement in full, click here.
Local Food Bank Receives Recovery Act Funding
The Ferndale branch of the Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency received a $50,000 grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to provide emergency food assistance. The pantry will use the funding to purchase additional food to help handle the growing number of area families in need of assistance. Oakland County residents can go to the pantry, located at 345 E. Nine Mile Road, to receive non-perishable food as well as vouchers for fresh food and produce. Interested residents should call (248) 542-5860 for more information.
For more information, click here.
GM Wins Grant to Develop Heat Energy Capture
On October 26, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced funding for 37 advanced energy research projects, including a $2.6 million project at the GM Technical Center in Warren to develop technology to convert waste heat from car engines into electricity. This research could result in vehicles that are significantly more efficient. The 37 projects were the first to be funded by DOE’s new Advanced Research Projects Agency. The funding for the awards came from the Recovery Act approved by Congress earlier this year.
For more information, click here.
House Passes HIV/AIDS Treatment Legislation
On October 21, the House approved legislation to strengthen the Ryan White program which provides care, treatment and support services to nearly half a million Americans living with HIV and AIDS – most of whom are low-income. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act passed by a large, bipartisan vote of 408 to 9.
“The Ryan White Program has been serving Americans living with HIV and AIDS for nearly 20 years,” said Rep. Levin. “Strengthening this program will bring help to more people and maintain our commitment to HIV/AIDS patients while we continue to search for a cure.”
For more information, click here.
The Week Ahead
This week the House of Representatives will debate a bill [H.R. 3854] to update and improve the Small Business Administration’s capital access programs that help small firms find affordable financing. The House is also expected to complete final action on the annual funding bill for the Department Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency. Later in the week, the House may take up a bill the Senate is working on to extend unemployment benefits to Americans who have lost their jobs.
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