H.R. 3650, H.R. 3598, H.R. 3585
Opening Statement By Chairman Brian Baird
Today we will consider three bills that cover a wide range of topics in this Subcommittee’s purview.
First, the Subcommittee will consider my bill, H.R. 3650, the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2009.
As we heard in this Subcommittee two weeks ago, rapid overproduction of algae can have devastating effects on aquatic plant and animal life and human health.
Unfortunately, despite years of research, the frequency and duration of the harmful algal blooms and hypoxia are on the rise, and affecting more of our coastlines and inland waters. This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to implement research strategies and plans to better understand and respond to these blooms and hypoxic events. I look forward to discussing the bill more when we call it up for consideration.
Next, we will consider H.R. 3585, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, authored by the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chair, Ms. Gabrielle Giffords.
This bill instructs the Department of Energy to create a comprehensive, updatable roadmap for solar research, development, and demonstration activities with strong private and public input.
This roadmap will be critically important to using our limited research dollars as effectively as possible in harnessing the truly immense solar resources we have in the U.S.
Finally, we will take up H.R. 3598, the Energy and Water Research Integration Act, authored by the full Committee Chairman, Mr. Bart Gordon. A little over a year ago, the Chairman began a comprehensive review of our federal research and technology development efforts to improve utilization of our precious water resources. The committee has since held 5 hearings and passed out of the House 3 bills pertaining to this important topic.
We now look forward to hearing from Chairman Gordon on this next installment which addresses the critical linkage between our nation’s energy and water resources, and directs the Department of Energy to better integrate water into existing federal efforts in this field.
The three bills we have before us today target several important research needs. I thank you all for your attendance and participation this morning, and I look forward to a productive markup.
I now recognize Mr. Inglis to present his opening remarks.