Congressman Cardoza Solar Legislation Seeks to Aid Agriculture, Air Pollution
Congressional Desk
October 26, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, establishing a short-and long-term strategy for solar research and technology developments in the United States. Included in the legislation was an amendment introduced by Congressman Dennis Cardoza that aims to reduce agriculture costs and reduce air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley.
The Solar Technology Roadmap Act directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a program of research, development, and demonstration of solar technology. The bill aims to establish guidance on energy security, U.S. competitiveness, climate change mitigation and energy diversification.
Congressman Cardoza, a strong proponent of solar energy, introduced an amendment focused mainly on the development of solar electricity based on thermal power technology. This technology involves using the sun to heat water for mechanical uses, similar to a traditional steam engine. The technology is significant to California and the San Joaquin Valley because it could provide farmers and growers a means of powering their irrigation pumps and other farm equipment through solar energy created on-site at their agriculture operation. In addition to the potential to reduce growers´ costs, it would also reduce the number of diesel engines operating in the Valley, cutting back on air pollution.
"This is a common-sense approach to harnessing the power of solar technology in the Valley," said Congressman Cardoza. "This will have a direct benefit to all of my constituents back home and moves us one more step away from our dependence on foreign oil."
The Solar Technology Roadmap Act directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a program of research, development, and demonstration of solar technology. The bill aims to establish guidance on energy security, U.S. competitiveness, climate change mitigation and energy diversification.
Congressman Cardoza, a strong proponent of solar energy, introduced an amendment focused mainly on the development of solar electricity based on thermal power technology. This technology involves using the sun to heat water for mechanical uses, similar to a traditional steam engine. The technology is significant to California and the San Joaquin Valley because it could provide farmers and growers a means of powering their irrigation pumps and other farm equipment through solar energy created on-site at their agriculture operation. In addition to the potential to reduce growers´ costs, it would also reduce the number of diesel engines operating in the Valley, cutting back on air pollution.
"This is a common-sense approach to harnessing the power of solar technology in the Valley," said Congressman Cardoza. "This will have a direct benefit to all of my constituents back home and moves us one more step away from our dependence on foreign oil."
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