Dow Corning urges new US policies to promote solar power

24 June 2009 16:42  [Source: ICIS news]

TORONTO (ICIS news)--Dow Corning wants US federal lawmakers to set new policies to boost the solar energy sector, the producer of silicon-based materials said on Wednesday.

“To make America a 21st century solar power, we need smart and effective government policies from Congress that will help the private sector grow, thrive and create thousands of new jobs," Dow Corning CEO Stephanie Burns said in a conference call.

“The solar industry can not reach its full potential without incentives and support to help develop the market for this valuable energy,” Burns said.

Congress needed to go beyond the incentives for alternative energies included in the US economic stimulus package, she said.

“We feel there is more to do,” Burns said.

Dow Corning has joined other solar firms in promoting a four-point policy plan for the industry.

The plan calls on Congress and the Obama administration to enact a broad federal legislative and regulatory package, designed to encourage the rapid growth of a viable renewable energy industry and encourage consumer adoption.

The legislative actions should include a permanent advanced manufacturing tax credit, renewable electricity standards, federal interconnection and net metering standards, as well as renewable energy payments, known as a “feed-in tariffs,” Burns said.

The plan, which is available on Dow Corning's website, also urges increased investments in research and development, and increased renewable energy-related education and training.

It also calls on the US federal government to establish itself as a leader in the utilisation of clean energy technologies.

Burns and other solar industry executives were in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the plan with members of Congress and the Obama administration.

Dow Corning is a joint venture between Dow Chemical and glass maker Corning.

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By: Stefan Baumgarten
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