Michelle Wu: “I offer an amendment to invest further in renewable energy by creating a university based research program for biomass…”

“I offer an amendment to invest further in renewable energy by creating a university based research program for biomass energy research. The amendment authorizes funds for competitive grants to support research at institutions of higher education to use trees killed by disease or insect infestation for biomass energy. Priority will be given to research institutions in low-income or rural communities, those that already conduct research in this field, institutions which can enter joint ventures with Indian tribes and those institutions located near forests killed by massive disease or insect infestation. Mr. Chairman, we must capitalize on America's universities for research and renewable energy. My amendment will harness universities as a resource to advance our renewable energy portfolio. The amendment also ensures grants will be distributed throughout the United States. If fully funded, at least a dozen universities could be selected from the pool of university applicants. In the Pacific Northwest, the unfortunate incidence of disease and insect infestation in our forests can be mitigated by turning dead trees into renewable energy. By targeting universities in rural and low-income communities, we create needed jobs and help develop those jobs in communities which frequently have felt neglected in our pursuit of pro-environmental causes.”