Byron Dorgan: “I rise to support an important program funded in the fiscal year 2003 Interior Appropriation measure. The Advanced…”

“I rise to support an important program funded in the fiscal year 2003 Interior Appropriation measure. The Advanced Microturbine Program is a Department of Energy effort to support and develop clean and efficient power technologies for the 21st century. The program's goals are to improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental emissions and expand fuel choices for the next generation of microturbines. As I mentioned in the past, we must produce more energy, but we also must conserve more energy. Conservation of energy is simply another way of producing energy. Energy efficiency is also integral to any energy plan. Electrical systems can and should be made more efficient. Finally, we must utilize renewable energies. Employing fuels such as ethanol and using them to extend our energy supply makes good sense. The Advanced Microturbine Program goes a long ways towards those ends. The ultimate aim of the program is to produce ultra clean, highly efficient microturbine product designs by 2006 that are ready for commercialization. The machines will utilize several fuel options, including landfill gas, industrial off-gases, ethanol, and other biobased liquids and gases. The Advanced Microturbine Program is a good example of how partnerships with industry, including one from my home State, and government can deliver advanced technologies and practices to assist in meeting challenging goals in the areas of renewable resource development and environmental protection.”