April 29, 2009

Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) commended Energy Sec. Steven Chu’s announcement that the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), located in the 7th Congressional District, is slated to receive more than $110 million for research and development of wind, biofuels and campus infrastructure and to promote energy efficiency efforts. The funding will come as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) recently signed in Denver by Pres. Obama.

“This funding is the tip of the iceberg for the opportunities NREL will have to further our national goal of transforming the way we power our nation,” said Perlmutter. “Sec. Chu has been to NREL many times before and is well aware NREL is the world’s leader in developing renewable and alternative energy technology. The work NREL does has a direct impact on helping our economy recover. NREL is will be hiring between 150 and 500 new jobs over the next few years, and businesses and communities throughout our state and nation will benefit. I look further to working with NREL, the Dept. of Energy and my colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure adequate funding and opportunities are available for NREL and other renewable and alternative energy projects.”

Sec. Chu also announced the following additional funding for NREL through the Recovery Act:

· $68 million for a Research Support Facility

· $19.2 million for Renewable Energy and Site Infrastructure

· $13.5 million for upgrades to the Integrated Biorefinery Research Facility

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