Budget/Appropriations
SEIA supports an expansion of the Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Program and works to secure more funding for the department through the Congressional Appropriations process. Learn more about the DOE's Solar R&D program.
FY2012 White House Budget Request for DOE Solar and Related Programs
President Obama unveiled a budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2012 on February 14. For more information, see the White House's Office of Management and Budget website. Additionally, see SEIA's statement in response to the release of the President's budget.
2012 Budget Recommendation
Overall, SEIA is supportive of the Administration's budget proposal, as it nearly doubles the Department's solar program and provides funding for many of the industry's priorities including the 1603 Treasury Program, MITC, and an RES.
Highlights of the Administration's 2012 DOE Budget Request:
- Overall Request: $29.5 billion
- Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE): $3.2 billion
- Solar Program: $457 million (an 88% increase over 2010)
- Other Key Points
- $5 billion for the Section 48C Manufacturing Tax Credit (within Treasury)
- Extension of the 1603 Grant-in-Lieu program
- Calls for an 80% Clean Energy Standard (CES) by 2035
- $200 million for credit cost subsidies for the loan guarantee program
Secretary Chu Testimony on FY 2012 Budget Proposal
On March 15, Secretary Chu began his testimony before Congress in support of the budget proposal. You can read the Secretary's prepared remarks here:
- Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development of the House Committee on Appropriations
- House Energy and Commerce Committee
During his prepared testimony, the Secretary focused on innovation and competitiveness, while highlighting certain programs from the Administration's Departmental request of $29.5 billion. Several times during his testimony, he spoke of continuing research projects that will increase deployment of clean energy technologies. He also reiterated the President's desire that America generate 80 percent of its electricity from clean sources by 2035.
"To meet our energy needs, the Administration believes we must rely on a diverse set of energy sources including renewables like wind and solar, natural gas, clean coal and nuclear power. We look forward to a continued dialogue with Congress on moving that agenda forward."
