U.S. Senator Ken Salazar

Member of the Agriculture, Energy and Veterans Affairs Committees

 

2300 15th Street, Suite 450 Denver, CO 80202 | 702 Hart Senate Building, Washington, D.C. 20510

 

 

For Immediate Release

January 10, 2006

CONTACT:    Cody Wertz – Press Secretary

                        202-228-3630

Jen Clanahan – Deputy Press Secretary

                        303-455-7600


 Sen. Salazar Congratulates CU on Selection to Defend World Championship at Dept. of Energy’s 2007 Solar Decathlon

DENVER, CO – Reigning world champion the University of Colorado will defend its title next as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2007 Solar Decathlon. United States Senator Ken Salazar celebrated today’s announcement by the Department of Energy by pointing to Colorado’s leadership on solar and other renewable energy.

“CU’s outstanding achievement in winning the 2005 Solar Decathlon shows why Colorado continues to be a nerve center for advanced research into renewable energy,” said Senator Salazar. “I congratulate the University on their selection to defend their championship and have every confidence that they will do our state proud.”

With $100,000 in federal funds as a budget, CU will be one of 20 teams competing in the research goal of reducing the cost of solar-powered homes and advancing solar technology. Among other teams competing at the 2007 Solar Decathlon are Cornell University, Georgia Tech, Cal Tech, MIT and the Technische Universität Darmstadt in Germany.

“Securing America’s energy independence is one of this Nation’s most critical priorities. The advances by CU and showcased at the Solar Decathlon are critical steps on the road to a secure energy future,” said Senator Salazar.

According to the Department of Energy, the Solar Decathlon is an international competition that brings student teams from universities across the United States, Europe and Canada to compete in designing, building and operating highly energy-efficient, completely solar-powered houses. It takes place every other year, with the next competition in 2007. The teams will assemble their homes on the Mall and will be open to the public. Contest rules require that each house generate enough energy from the sun to operate a household, a home-based business and related transportation needs. Teams are judged in ten different categories, seven of which focus on energy efficiency; others include design and comfort of the house. The team with the most points – the most energy-efficient and innovatively designed house – wins.

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