COLUMBUS, OH – The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Under Secretary David Garman today joined Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-15 ^th) at Columbus’s American Electric Power (AEP) to highlight America’s economic strength and the need for increased investment in the development of new energy technologies in order to remain competitive in the global marketplace. 

 

“By continuing to invest in new sources of energy and new ways to deliver that energy, we are investing in our economy and our future, which will lead us to the great discoveries of tomorrow,” Under Secretary Garman said.

 

Under Secretary Garman visited AEP’s Dolan Technology Center, near Columbus, this morning to tour their advanced superconductivity research project, which was partially funded through DOE research grants.  Following his tour of the technology center, the under secretary joined Rep. Pryce to talk to AEP employees about their important contribution to America’s economy though the development of reliable and affordable energy.

 

Under Secretary Garman also discussed President Bush’s American Competitiveness and Advanced Energy Initiatives.  These initiatives promote America’s continued economic vitality through the development and use of alternative energy sources and aim to provide our next generation of scientists, teachers, and engineers with the strong educational foundation necessary to compete in the global economy.     

 

During today’s remarks Under Secretary Garman discussed how President Bush’s pro-growth economic policies have helped keep the economy strong and how the new energy initiatives encourage economic growth in the years to come.  The American Competitiveness Initiative increases federal investment in critical research that will ensure the U.S. continues to lead the world in opportunity and innovation, and provide American children with a first-rate mathematics and science education.  The Advanced Energy Initiative aims to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and increase production of domestically grown fuel, which will in turn, promote U.S. job growth. 

 

Under Secretary Garman also touched on the overall health of the U.S. economy, underscored by new employment figures released today.  These figures indicate that the American economy is strong by almost any measure.  America has experienced five straight years of growth in productivity, and per capita personal income continues to rise.  Job growth continues to be strong as well.   The unemployment rate of 4.8 percent is at its lowest point since 2001 and is lower than the average rate for the 1970s, the 1980s and the 1990s. Moreover, new jobs are being created for American workers.  The economy created 243,000 jobs in February and has created about 2.1 million jobs over the past 12 months - and almost 5 million since August 2003.           

 

As part of the Bush Administration’s ongoing effort to promote America’s strong economy and pro-growth energy policies, Administration and DOE officials are traveling the country today to discuss the importance of maintaining economic leadership and a scientific edge in the world through increased science and math education and additional funding for research and development of alternative energy sources.    

 

Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman toured DOE’s Kansas City Plant to view their new technology activities and then delivered remarks to the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce in Kansas City, Missouri, to promote America’s strong economy, specifically related to energy security.  Deputy Secretary of Energy Clay Sell joined Texas Representative Michael Burgess (R-26 ^th) to host an event at Home Depot promoting the economic benefits of energy efficiency in Flower Mound, Texas.  Office of Science Director, Dr. Ray Orbach is touring Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, to promote the importance of investing in and maintaining America’s stronghold in science and education.  Assistant Secretary Karen Harbert participated in a roundtable discussion at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville, to discuss northwest Arkansas’s bio-based economics with some of the country’s largest employers.  Acting Assistant Secretary Doug Faulkner is in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to highlight the ways that the Oak Ridge National Laboratory can participate in the success of the American Competitiveness and Advanced Energy Initiatives.