WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) opposed an energy spending bill that would have gutted clean energy, including biomass and solar programs. The bill would hit San Diego hard as it has a large concentration of clean technology companies.
“San Diego has 767 clean technology companies and has become an innovation hub, especially in solar power, energy storage, and advanced biofuels,” said Davis. “If we’re going to remain competitive in the global economy, we must invest in clean energy innovation.”
According to the San Diego Association of Governments, the algae energy section alone provides the region with 410 direct jobs and $108 million in economic activity each year.
The Energy and Water Appropriations bill (H.R. 2354) cuts solar energy research by more than one-third, decreases biomass research by $33 million, and cuts $80 million from funding for breakthrough domestic clean energy innovators.
“We can’t hold back the companies that can come up with the answers to our serious energy problem,” said Davis.
H.R. 2354 passed the House of Representatives on a vote of 219-196.
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