As part of the Energy, Climate, and Conservation (ECC) Task Force's latest policy roll-out on "American Innovation,' House Republican Members kicked off the week by touring Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Department of Energy laboratory in Tennessee dedicated to energy and science research & development, scientific discoveries, and technical breakthroughs.
Members who participated in the tour were ECC Member Lead Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA), Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), and ECC Member Rep. Feenstra (R-IA). The tour showcased a range of technical laboratories covering advanced nuclear energy, grid integration and energy storage, additive manufacturing, and exascale computing.
Reps. Graves, Fleischmann, and Feenstra with the ORNL leadership in Oak Ridge, TN.
"Nobody does innovation better than America, and it was an honor to see first-hand the research ORNL is doing that has helped secure our role as the world leader in science and energy innovation," Rep. Graves said. "Our Task Force will continue to promote policies designed to help advance affordable, innovative technology solutions that not only help to reduce energy costs and global emissions, but enhance our economic and energy security by utilizing American resources."
"I was honored to showcase the groundbreaking research that the Oak Ridge National Lab does every day," Rep. Fleischmann said. "ORNL is crucial to meet our nation's future clean energy needs and remain on the cutting edge of scientific advancement. From discovering new elements to pioneering better environmental management plans and creating the world's fastest supercomputer, ORNL is leading the way in American innovation and is the best of our nation's long tradition of ingenuity and industriousness."
"It was great to be in Tennessee this week to meet with top scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory who are conducting groundbreaking research on renewable fuels, cybersecurity, and critical materials development," Rep. Feenstra said. "I was especially interested to learn more about their work to convert ethanol into aviation and vehicle fuels, which directly aligns with legislation I have introduced in Congress to use biofuels like ethanol to power our cars, trucks, tractors, and planes in a cleaner and cheaper manner. As part of our Energy, Climate, and Conservation Task Force, Republicans are committed to making America energy independent again and strengthening our economy through American ingenuity, innovation, and cutting-edge scientific research."
Members of the Task Force also attended a roundtable organized by ClearPath to hear from outside stakeholders in the advanced nuclear space. The discussion included the need for a reliable domestic fuel supply, successes in public-private partnerships, and challenges experienced with the federal permitting and licensing process.
Read more about Republican solutions for "American Innovation' here.
Energy, Climate, and Conservation (ECC) Task Force Member Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Jobs and the Economy Task Force Member Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), penned an op-ed highlighting how nuclear innovation can play a key role in reducing global emissions while securing America's national, economic, and energy security interests.