María Elvira Salazar: “I would like to thank Chairman Gordon for this wonderful bill that will actually create jobs. My amendment adds training…”

“I would like to thank Chairman Gordon for this wonderful bill that will actually create jobs. My amendment adds training for energy auditors, field technicians, and building contractors to promote the use of energy retrofits and energy-efficient technology to the list of programs that may be included in the Department of Energy's STEM education activities. Madam Chair, I have long been an advocate for clean energy and a balanced approach to meeting our energy needs while preserving our natural resources. As we continue to expand our use of renewable sources of energy, it is important that we have a well trained and knowledgeable workforce in place to take advantage of every job opportunity that is created. Alternative energy is an economic boon for rural districts like the one I represent. The Third Congressional District of Colorado is leading the way with innovations in solar, wind, and woody biomass. In the San Luis Valley, where I live, there is currently an 8-megawatt solar farm with an additional 1,000 megawatts of solar in the works. However, it is critical to reduce the cost to America's families and our impact on the environment that the men and women who build, repair, and refurbish our homes and infrastructure incorporate green technology in their operations.”