WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recognizing the need for energy security and innovation in the U.S., Congressman David Wu today supported legislation that paves the way for cutting-edge energy research.

“It is especially evident when Oregonians go to fill their cars up with gas that consumers need choices,” Congressman Wu said. “The commitment to develop alternative energy options is long past due. Through research we can offer consumers a choice other than the gas pump, and through widespread implementation and adoption, we can decrease the demand for gas. Not only will we ease the pain felt at the gas pump, but also we will ensure a more energy secure future for America.”

Congressman Wu voted for H.R. 364, to provide for the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), during a House Science & Technology Committee meeting. The measure now moves to the full U.S. House for consideration.

An ARPA-E would be established in the U.S. Department of Energy and modeled after a similar agency within the U.S. Department of Defense (DARPA). The agency’s mission would be to rapidly develop and commercialize clean energy technologies.

ARPA-E is designed to provide aggressive funding for innovative, out-of-the-box research projects carried out by industry, universities and consortia of groups, including federal laboratories. This program will give the best and brightest science and technology experts the unprecedented flexibility and resources needed develop new technologies and will push them from the lab into the market.

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