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House probes role of innovation in clean energy

July 30, 2020

A recent hearing by the House science committee provided several experts, including Lee Cheatham from SSTI-member Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, an opportunity to discuss the importance of science and innovation to achieving a “clean energy future.” Comments by the panelists largely focused on the value of public-private partnerships, such as those modeled through SBIR/STTR, prize competitions, and joint research at national labs, to developing innovations that can be transformed by new and established companies into new products and jobs.

Questions from the committee members were largely constructive, seeking details on how specific policies and programs could unlock further activities and successes. The committee has worked on nearly 50 energy-related bills so far this session and, based on this hearing, may be considering legislation specific to transforming Department of Energy research before the end of the year.

clean energy, congress