Schumer Announces Key Senate Panel Approves $500,000 for Binghamton University
Funding Would Aid Binghamton University's Center for Autonomous Solar Power in the Research and Development of Cost-Efficient Solar Technology Schumer Worked Closely with Committee to Include Funding In FY2009 Spending Bill Bill Will Now Be Sent To the Senate Floor
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the full Senate Appropriations Committee has approved the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies FY09 Appropriations Bill which includes $500,000 for the University of Binghamton's Center for Autonomous Solar Power. The funding would be used to research and develop large, flexible solar cells that may decrease the cost of solar energy and increase energy efficiency. The bill will now proceed to the Senate Floor as the next step in the appropriations process. Schumer worked closely with members of the Appropriations Committee to include funding for the project in this year's spending bill.
"This is terrific news for Binghamton University and the entire Southern Tier," said Schumer. "With gas at $4 a gallon and the current energy crisis slamming New Yorkers with everything from high fuel costs to skyrocketing prices in the grocery store, solar technology and the development of costefficient energy sources are a key part of our efforts to offer some relief to residents across Upstate. The research being done at Binghamton University will propel Upstate New York to the forefront of energy and environmental innovation, as well as deliver a sorelyneeded shot in the arm to the Southern Tier economy, and I will fight toothandnail to see this funding through the appropriations process."
The Center for Autonomous Solar Power (CASP) at Binghamton University is researching and developing 3rd generation large area, flexible, light weight solar cells to meet scientific challenges in reducing the cost of solar power and enhancing energy efficiency. As part of the New York State Center of Excellence in Small Scale Systems Integration and Packaging (S3IP), the CASP will bridge the technology and commercialization gap and overcome impediments in large scale expansion of solar electricity.
Now that the bill has been approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee, it will be sent to the Senate floor. Following approval by the Senate, the bill will move towards Conference with the House and then to the President for signature.
