STEVE KNIGHT: “Today it is my honor and privilege to bring H.R. 5638, the Solar Fuels Innovation Act, to the House of Representatives…”

“Today it is my honor and privilege to bring H.R. 5638, the Solar Fuels Innovation Act, to the House of Representatives with several of my colleagues. This bill, the first solar R&D bill to be considered on the House floor this Congress, will advance the policies of the America COMPETES Act that passed the House last year and establish a basic research initiative and groundbreaking solar fuels. The solar fuel process, also known as artificial photosynthesis, harnesses energy from sunlight to create a range of chemical fuels. Basic research in artificial photosynthesis and related research could lead to a solar fuels system that consolidates solar power and energy storage into a cohesive process and fundamentally change the way we extract energy from our natural resources. This would be a game changer for our country. Scientists up and down the coast of California are undertaking this research, from universities in southern California to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the bay area. Research authorized in this legislation could solve this key scientific challenge and open the door for American entrepreneurs to develop the next generation of solar technology. The Solar Fuels Innovation Act will also enable universities and the DOE labs to train the next generation of scientists through a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together students in chemistry, physics, and materials science.…”