Denver- The Colorado House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed House Resolution 1005, co-sponsored by Reps. Judy Solano, D-Brighton, and Gwyn Green, D-Golden, that supports jobs and continued full funding for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden. The House and Senate previously passed a joint resolution (1007) supporting NREL.

Job layoffs at NREL began two weeks ago because the President’s renewable energy budget requests have consistently cut the lab’s funding, especially over the last three years. The President is expected to visit the facility tomorrow.

"There needs to be a consistent, long-term commitment to NREL if we will truly end our addiction to foreign oil," said Rep. Solano.

"Colorado must continue to lead the charge in the production of renewable energies, and the workers at NREL are the key to that effort," said Rep. Green. "We need to do more than put back jobs that shouldn’t have been cut in the first place. We need to put our money where our commitment is and support NREL employees year after year."

Thirty-two employees have already been laid off from NREL, and the facility was facing many as 100 prospective layoffs because of the funding cuts. It has been announced that recommendations are being made to restore the jobs, but the rehires have yet to begin.

The resolution passed by the Colorado House states, "…the Colorado House of Representatives urges President Bush and the Department of Energy to use every available means to restore full funding for this fiscal year and for every fiscal year thereafter for NREL, at a time when energy and economic security issues are of the highest importance for the United States."

[full text of resolution below]

HOUSE RESOLUTION 06-1005

CONCERNING CONTINUATION OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY.

WHEREAS, Energy, and its implications for our economy, security, and environment, are critical issues for the nation, as confirmed by the President of the United States of America, George W. Bush, in the 2006 State of the Union address; and

WHEREAS, Renewable energy is playing an increasing role in providing the country with secure and environmentally benign energy solutions, including carbon?free energy solutions; and

WHEREAS, The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located in Golden, Colorado, is the nation's leading facility for the development of renewable energy technologies; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 28 years, NREL?led research has brought the cost and performance of renewable energy to the point where widespread commercialization of renewable energy is possible; and

WHEREAS, NREL has accumulated irreplaceable scientific and engineering expertise and world?class research and development facilities, the loss of which would set back national efforts to increase diversity in energy resources, to reduce dependence on imported oil, and to create good jobs; and

WHEREAS, President Bush clearly stated to the nation in the State of the Union address that America is "addicted to oil" and that we must look to new technologies and solutions to address our nation's ever?increasing energy needs; and

WHEREAS, Colorado welcomes President Bush, who is expected to visit NREL this week; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Sixty-fifth General Assembly of the State of Colorado:

That the Colorado House of Representatives urges President Bush and the Department of Energy to use every available means to restore full funding for this fiscal year and for every fiscal year thereafter for NREL, at a time when energy and economic security issues are of the highest importance for the United States.

Be it Further Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be given to President Bush upon his arrival in Colorado and that additional copies be transmitted to the Secretary of the Department of Energy and to each member of Colorado's delegation to the United States Congress.