WASHINGTON, DC – The following is a statement from Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s passage of the FY 2007 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill:

“I commend the work of the Senate Appropriations Committee in supporting many of the President’s priorities in the Department of Energy’s budget.

“We are encouraged by the committee’s commitment to the expansion of nuclear energy in this country – especially GNEP. 

“The bill passed also contains a number of provisions concerning the interim storage of spent nuclear fuel, and addresses the issue of "waste confidence" in the licensing of nuclear power reactors.  We very much appreciate Chairman Domenici and Senator Reid engaging constructively to address these important issues. 

“In addition, we also appreciate the Committee's support of the President’s Advanced Energy and American Competitiveness Initiatives. 

“The Advanced Energy Initiative will support a significant increase in clean-energy research to accelerate breakthroughs in how we power our homes, businesses, and automobiles. 

“The American Competitiveness Initiative will boost our basic science research funding. It will help support and grow the world-class scientific discovery occurring at our national laboratories.  It will also help train a new generation of researchers and scientists that will ensure that America will lead the world in opportunity and innovation for generations to come. 

“As we continue through the appropriations process, we look forward to working with Members of both Houses to provide information on other important funding priorities of the Department.”

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