U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., has proposed legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to appoint a group of experts to create a long-term plan to guide solar energy research and its transition into commercial uses.
The 11-member Solar Roadmap Committee would be formed as part of Giffords' Solar Technology Roadmap Act, a bill that authorizes $2.25 billion for solar research over the next five years.
The centerpiece of the bill is the establishment of a committee to create a much-needed road map for solar technology research, according to Giffords' office.
The road map would identify research and development that needs to occur to help improve the performance and reliability of solar technologies, decrease cost, reduce water use and mitigate any negative environmental impacts. It would be subject to a comprehensive revision every three years to keep it current.
The bill also would require the DOE to award grants for solar demonstration projects and research on photovoltaic waste and recycling.
The bill will be heard next week by the Energy and Environment Subcommittee of the Science and Technology Committee.
SOURCE: Office Of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords
