David Loebsack: “I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I appreciate that very much. My amendment will ensure level funding for…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I appreciate that very much. My amendment will ensure level funding for distributed wind technologies and research within the Department of Energy's wind energy program. Distributed wind is the use of typically smaller wind turbines owned primarily by rural and local entities, such as homes, farms, businesses, and public facilities, to offset all or a portion of onsite energy consumption. This type of energy production strengthens American communities by helping them become more energy independent while lowering costs for consumers. Distributed wind also strengthens domestic manufacturing, as 90 percent of all small wind turbines sold in the U.S. last year were made in America. The funding provided over the past few fiscal years has helped unleash distributed wind power's vast potential, but continued investment is needed to support the critical research and development that will reduce costs and maximize the benefits of distributed wind power throughout the United States. Madam Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment.”