ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy Karen Harbert today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will award $314,000 to New Mexico to help improve energy efficiency throughout the state.  This funding, from DOE’s State Energy Program (SEP) is part of a $34.6 million nationwide announcement made by Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman earlier today.  The funding from DOE’s state energy programs can provide significant savings for consumers, businesses and states to increase energy efficiency of homes and buildings.

“As a nation, we can do a better job of finding ways to conserve energy and these grants will help people and businesses do just that,” Assistant Secretary Harbert said.  “Every little bit helps and if New Mexico as a state, and the U.S. as a nation, can make incremental steps towards more energy efficiency we can go a long way towards strengthening our energy security while saving money.”

Assistant Secretary Harbert made today’s announcement during a two-day visit to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to recognize contributions of local energy companies to the state’s expanded use of renewable energy sources like hydrogen and solar power.  Assistant Secretary Harbert highlighted how increased use of alternative energy sources contributes to President Bush’s Solar America Initiative, a component of the Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI).  The AEI seeks to provide additional funding to accelerate research and development of clean energy technologies that could transform the way we produce and use energy, while also promoting job growth in the energy sector.  For more information on the AEI, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/stateoftheunion/2006/energy/.

“Investment in the development and deployment of energy technologies will help diversify our nation’s energy mix and sustain our economic stronghold, while providing consumers and businesses with clean and affordable renewable fuels,” Assistant Secretary Harbert said. 

While in the Albuquerque area, Assistant Secretary today joined officials from PNM, New Mexico’s largest electricity and natural gas provider, to recognize the completion of a new solar photovoltaic generating facility in Algodones, NM.  Yesterday, Assistant Secretary Harbert joined Congresswoman Heather Wilson (NM-1^st) for an event at Intelligent Energy, a fuel cell and hydrogen generation technologies firm.  Assistant Secretary Harbert discussed the AEI and the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, which promotes investment in hydrogen research and development and accelerated commercialize of fuel cell vehicles.  Assistant Secretary Harbert also discussed the recently passed H-Price Act, a bill that establishes a prize competition to develop hydrogen energy as a practical alternative to fossil fuel. 

Along with the AEI, Assistant Secretary Harbert also promoted the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI), which will continue to further America’s economic vitality by providing America’s next generation of scientists and researchers with the educational foundation necessary to compete in the global economy.  For more information about the ACI, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/stateoftheunion/2006/aci/.

Assistant Secretary Harbert also touted the nation’s strong economy, underscored by new unemployment figures released today.  75,000 jobs were created nationwide last month and the unemployment rate of 4.6 percent is the lowest since July 2001.  Assistant Secretary Harbert discussed positive impacts research and development of new technologies will have on strengthening America’s energy and economic security.  The economy has created 5.3 million jobs since August 2003, and about 2 million of those were created over the past 12 months.  America has experienced five straight years of growth in productivity, and per capita personal income continues to rise.  These figures indicate that the American economy is strong by almost any measure.

Assistant Secretary Harbert highlighted ways industry, government and educational institutions can contribute to the success of the AEI and ACI through continued emphasis on research and development of new technologies.  Together, these initiatives will continue to increase America’s economic vitality through the development of alternative energy sources and will provide our next generation of scientists and researchers with the educational foundation necessary to compete in the 21^st century.

As part of a broader effort to highlight the nation’s strong economy, principals participated in events around the country to discuss the Bush Administration’s economic and energy initiatives.  Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman joined Congressman Rob Simmons (CT-2^nd) at the University of Connecticut’s Global Fuel Cell Center to highlight hydrogen as a fuel source for the future.  Secretary Bodman also spoke at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York, to emphasize the importance of science and math education for America’s youth as part of the ACI.  DOE Under Secretary David Garman toured and offered remarks at the General Motors Advanced Technologies Facilities in Honeoye Falls, NY, with Rep. Randy Kuhl (NY-29^th).  And Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Andy Karsner kicked off the Energy Efficient Car Showcase with Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (MD-6^th) in Frederick, Maryland, to promote President Bush’s AEI.

Media contact(s):
Craig Stevens, (202) 586-4940