“Just because Solyndra failed doesn’t mean the entire green energy industry will fail also”
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) issued the following statement for the record at the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations exploring continuing developments regarding the Solyndra loan guarantee:
“I appreciate this subcommittee’s efforts to exert its oversight duties and investigate potential sources of government waste. However, I’m not sure this inquiry is served well by constant document leaks, focusing on only one part of the entire story, or assuming conclusions without hearing from all parties involved.
“I’m concerned this subcommittee is missing the larger picture of lessons to be learned from Solyndra. Just because a company fails doesn’t mean the entire industry will also. We don’t need to throw the baby out with the bath water. The solar industry has doubled its workforce since 2009 and is one of the fastest growing industry sectors in America. Further, we have witnessed the positive impact federal investment can have in an industry in the example of the American auto manufacturers who have bounced back as strong and competitive as ever after nearly collapsing several years ago.
“Through the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we have already made solid and successful investments in companies that are researching innovative solutions in the automotive industry – smaller, lighter, and more efficient batteries; more efficient biofuels; and stronger, lighter weight body frames for tomorrow’s vehicles. We’re also investing in clean and renewable energy companies that are deploying today’s technology including electric vehicles, wind turbine projects, and geothermal energy.
“But the playing field is not level. This is the issue that is REALLY at hand. Germany, as well as other countries, is heavily subsidizing companies which has catapulted that country to the forefront of innovation. Germany is the world leader in installed solar systems and has recognized the importance of being at the forefront of this technology. However, Germany only receives as much sunshine as Alaska. Why is a country with as much as sunshine than Alaska beating America in the technology race?
“In my home state of Michigan, a company is already working on the next generation of vehicle battery technologies. These batteries are lighter, have a higher energy density, require less rare earth metals, and are less toxic than today’s vehicle batteries. The company has already received multi-million dollar offers to move their operations to Germany, and are having to jump through hoops to get any American funding. If we do not make the investments now in domestic companies like this, we will lose American grown companies and their future research and manufacturing jobs to other countries.
“General Motors, currently in the midst of an inspiring comeback and ensuring the American auto industry thrives, is now building the Chevrolet Volt. As an extended-range vehicle, the Volt uses an electric battery to power the car and then switches to gasoline after the battery charge is expended. While the Volt is manufactured in Southeast Michigan and the battery pack is assembled in Michigan’s 15th Congressional District, the cells are still Korean-made. If we hope to grow the electric vehicle market for American auto companies, our supply chain cannot be solely dependent on a country halfway around the world. We must create and develop the ingenuity here to research and manufacture things like batteries for electric vehicles here in America so that our auto companies and those that do business in America can look to us for the next great leap in innovation.
“Will some of those efforts include risks and failure? Yes they will. Solyndra is one such example but if you look at the entire solar industry, we are competitive and have opportunities to continue to grow. We cannot be afraid to invest in American companies who will provide innovation in the future.”
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