FAYETTEVILLE, AR – Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs Karen Harbert today highlighted how Arkansas’s bio-based energy industry contributes to America’s strong economy and the role that the energy sector plays to ensure continued economic growth.  Assistant Secretary Harbert also touted President Bush’s American Competitiveness and Advanced Energy Initiatives while participating in the Advanced Energy Initiative Economic Symposium at the University of Arkansas Engineering Research Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

 

“With research, entrepreneurship and hard work, Northwest Arkansas is uniquely positioned to continually strengthen America’s economy and provide consumers and businesses with clean and affordable bio-based fuels,” Assistant Secretary Harbert said.  “We must continue to strengthen our nation’s energy and economic security by working together and diversifying our nation’s energy supply.”   

 

The Advanced Energy Initiative symposium participants – Assistant Secretary Harbert, University officials, and representatives from Northwest Arkansas corporations – devoted much discussion on President Bush’s American Competitiveness and Advanced Energy Initiatives, announced in his State of the Union address.  These initiatives promote America’s continued economic vitality through the development and use of alternative energy sources and will provide our next generation of scientists, teachers, and engineers with the strong educational foundation necessary to compete in the global economy.     

 

During Assistant Secretary Harbert’s visit to the University of Arkansas, she also participated in a demonstration of bio-based polyurethane foam technology that expands to 100 times its size and is commonly used for insulation.  As a result of the research and innovation at the University of Arkansas, biobased insulation promises to improve energy efficiency and foster healthier indoor environments.

 

The American Competitiveness Initiative increases federal investment in critical research that will ensure the U.S. continues to lead the world in opportunity and innovation, and provide American children with a first-rate mathematics and science education.  The Advanced Energy Initiative aims to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and increase production of domestically grown fuel, which will in turn, promote U.S. job growth. 

 

Assistant Secretary Harbert also touched on the overall health of the U.S. economy, underscored by new employment figures released today.  These figures indicate that the American economy is strong by almost any measure.  America has experienced five straight years of growth in productivity, and per capita personal income continues to rise.  Job growth continues to be strong as well.   The unemployment rate of 4.8 percent is at its lowest point since 2001 and is lower than the average rate for the 1970s, the 1980s and the 1990s. Moreover, new jobs are being created for American workers.  The economy created 243,000 jobs in February and has created about 2.1 million jobs over the past 12 months - and almost 5 million since August 2003.     

 

As part of the Bush Administration’s ongoing effort to promote America’s strong economy and pro-growth energy policies, Administration and DOE officials are traveling the country today to discuss the importance of maintaining economic leadership and a scientific edge in the world through increased science and math education and additional funding for research and development of alternative energy sources.   

 

Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman toured DOE’s Kansas City Plant to view their new technology activities and then delivered remarks to the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce in Kansas City, Missouri, to promote America’s strong economy, specifically related to security.  Deputy Secretary of Energy Clay Sell joined Texas Representative Michael Burgess (R-26 ^th) to host an event at Home Depot promoting the economic benefits of energy efficiency in Flower Mound, Texas.  Under Secretary David Garman joined Ohio Representative Deborah Pryce (R-15 ^th) at American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio, to make remarks on the strong economy and to discuss the president’s new energy initiatives.  Office of Science Director, Dr. Ray Orbach is touring Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, to promote the importance of investing in and maintaining America’s stronghold in science and education.  Acting Assistant Secretary Doug Faulkner is in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to highlight the ways that the Oak Ridge National Laboratory can participate in the success of the American Competitiveness and Advanced Energy Initiatives.