Honey, I Forgot the Funding!

Earlier this year, our Fearless Leader announced in his State of the Union speech, to the shock and awe of all, that the USA was “addicted to oil”. Shortly after this speech he went on a little speaking tour of the states to promote his response to this profound new discovery. One place he landed at was the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at Golden, Colorado. This of course made a great deal of sense because this facility is a major player in renewable energy development.

What did not make quite as much sense was that prior to the “addiction” speech, funding cuts for staff and programs had been delivered at NREL. Fortunately, just before Fearless Leader’s visit, the staff cuts were restored, although, according to some sources, not the program cuts. Another thing to check out when I clone myself.

President Bush Delivers State of the Union Address

“Keeping America competitive requires affordable energy. And here we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world. The best way to break this addiction is through technology. Since 2001, we have spent nearly $10 billion to develop cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable alternative energy sources -- and we are on the threshold of incredible advances.

So tonight, I announce the Advanced Energy Initiative -- a 22-percent increase in clean-energy research -- at the Department of Energy, to push for breakthroughs in two vital areas. To change how we power our homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants, revolutionary solar and wind technologies, and clean, safe nuclear energy. (Applause.) ”

Employees Rehired Before President’s Visit to Tout Energy Plans - CNN

“According to The Associated Press, 32 workers, including eight researchers, were laid off two weeks ago at the lab. The restoration of funding left lab employees and renewable energy proponents puzzled about the motivation behind the decision.

”I’m still questioning why the budget cuts even happened or why the layoffs had to happen in the first place -- like how it can happen two or three weeks later they restore the money to the budget,“ said Tina Larney, an employee being rehired who works with state and local governments on energy initiatives.

”It makes me question ... the seriousness of the commitment [of] the administration and the government in Washington to renewable energies and moving the U.S. forward in our energy policy.“ The Department of Energy statement said the $5 million was transferred from other accounts and could be replaced with money from projects that ”have failed to make progress.“”

President Participates in Energy Conservation & Efficiency Panel

“I recognize that there has been some interesting -- let me say -- mixed signals when it comes to funding. The issue, of course, is whether or not good intentions are met with actual dollars spent. Part of the issue we face, unfortunately, is that there are sometimes decisions made, but as a result of the appropriations process, the money may not end up where it was supposed to have gone. I was talking to Dan about our mutual desire to clear up any discrepancies in funding, and I think we’ve cleaned up those discrepancies. My message to those who work here is we want you to know how important your work is; we appreciate what you’re doing; and we expect you to keep going it and we want to help you keep doing it. (Applause.)”   -  George W. Bush

Bush’s Sincerity About Investing in Renewable Energy Questioned

“”While President Bush talks of helping NREL, his Administration has requested a further reduction to NREL in 2007,“ stated Michael Huttner, Executive Director of ProgressNowAction.

The Administration’s latest request (click here), from January 31, 2006 to Congress shows a cut of 10 million dollars to NREL in FY 2007. ”We find it troubling that President Bush is talking about restoring funds at NREL, when he is requesting further cuts in the future,“ stated Huttner.

This morning, President Bush claimed that his administration had sent ”mixed signals“ to NREL as he has partially restored the millions cut to NREL for this year and had blamed it on ”mix-up“.  ”We do not believe cutting NREL by 10 million dollars in 2007 is simply a mix-up,“ noted Huttner. ”It appears that President Bush’s visit to NREL may be just another political stunt,“ Huttner added.”

The NREL as Potemkin Village
Power Surge For Lab
Jobs Cut at Energy Lab Restored Before Bush Visit

Honey, I Forgot the Funding!

Earlier this year, our Fearless Leader announced in his State of the Union speech, to the shock and awe of all, that the USA was “addicted to oil”. Shortly after this speech he went on a little speaking tour of the states to promote his response to this profound new discovery. One place he landed at was the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at Golden, Colorado. This of course made a great deal of sense because this facility is a major player in renewable energy development.

What did not make quite as much sense was that prior to the “addiction” speech, funding cuts for staff and programs had been delivered at NREL. Fortunately, just before Fearless Leader’s visit, the staff cuts were restored, although, according to some sources, not the program cuts. Another thing to check out when I clone myself.

President Bush Delivers State of the Union Address

“Keeping America competitive requires affordable energy. And here we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world. The best way to break this addiction is through technology. Since 2001, we have spent nearly $10 billion to develop cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable alternative energy sources -- and we are on the threshold of incredible advances.

So tonight, I announce the Advanced Energy Initiative -- a 22-percent increase in clean-energy research -- at the Department of Energy, to push for breakthroughs in two vital areas. To change how we power our homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants, revolutionary solar and wind technologies, and clean, safe nuclear energy. (Applause.) ”

Employees Rehired Before President’s Visit to Tout Energy Plans - CNN

“According to The Associated Press, 32 workers, including eight researchers, were laid off two weeks ago at the lab. The restoration of funding left lab employees and renewable energy proponents puzzled about the motivation behind the decision.

”I’m still questioning why the budget cuts even happened or why the layoffs had to happen in the first place -- like how it can happen two or three weeks later they restore the money to the budget,“ said Tina Larney, an employee being rehired who works with state and local governments on energy initiatives.

”It makes me question ... the seriousness of the commitment [of] the administration and the government in Washington to renewable energies and moving the U.S. forward in our energy policy.“ The Department of Energy statement said the $5 million was transferred from other accounts and could be replaced with money from projects that ”have failed to make progress.“”

President Participates in Energy Conservation & Efficiency Panel

“I recognize that there has been some interesting -- let me say -- mixed signals when it comes to funding. The issue, of course, is whether or not good intentions are met with actual dollars spent. Part of the issue we face, unfortunately, is that there are sometimes decisions made, but as a result of the appropriations process, the money may not end up where it was supposed to have gone. I was talking to Dan about our mutual desire to clear up any discrepancies in funding, and I think we’ve cleaned up those discrepancies. My message to those who work here is we want you to know how important your work is; we appreciate what you’re doing; and we expect you to keep going it and we want to help you keep doing it. (Applause.)”   -  George W. Bush

Bush’s Sincerity About Investing in Renewable Energy Questioned

“”While President Bush talks of helping NREL, his Administration has requested a further reduction to NREL in 2007,“ stated Michael Huttner, Executive Director of ProgressNowAction.

The Administration’s latest request (click here), from January 31, 2006 to Congress shows a cut of 10 million dollars to NREL in FY 2007. ”We find it troubling that President Bush is talking about restoring funds at NREL, when he is requesting further cuts in the future,“ stated Huttner.

This morning, President Bush claimed that his administration had sent ”mixed signals“ to NREL as he has partially restored the millions cut to NREL for this year and had blamed it on ”mix-up“.  ”We do not believe cutting NREL by 10 million dollars in 2007 is simply a mix-up,“ noted Huttner. ”It appears that President Bush’s visit to NREL may be just another political stunt,“ Huttner added.”

The NREL as Potemkin Village
Power Surge For Lab
Jobs Cut at Energy Lab Restored Before Bush Visit