Cohen Introduces Legislation to Push U.S. Towards Energy Independence and Boost Jobs

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) late yesterday introduced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2014 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill that would have helped our nation achieve energy independence and bolstered local employers like Sharp Electronics. Though the amendment failed late yesterday evening, the Congressman's legislation aimed to promote homegrown renewable energy, help reduce heating and cooling costs for American families, and create opportunities for renewable energy companies to grow private-sector jobs.

“Solar power is the most abundant energy resource on the planet and demand for solar power right here in America is at an all-time high,” said Congressman Cohen. “Investing in renewable energy will result in lower heating and cooling bills across the country, help private-sector employers like Sharp Electronics create jobs, and push our nation towards greater national security by increasing our energy independence.”

Video of Congressman Cohen introducing his legislation on the floor of the United States House of Representatives is available here. Without adding a penny to the deficit, his legislation would have helped ensure that the nation's renewable energy research program was adequately funded and that we continue to invest in renewable energy sources like solar power by shifting $50 million in unnecessary and unrequested funding from nuclear weapons programs to green energy and energy efficiency programs.

Sharp Electronics opened its Memphis, Tennessee, solar panel manufacturing plant in 2003. Today, the plant’s nearly 400 employees assemble, test, and perform quality control measures on solar modules.