In order to reduce printing costs, justification material and related budgetary data in support of fiscal year 1981 budget estimates for appropriations are not printed in this part. This information is contained in the printed hearings of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1980 U.S. SENATE, SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, Washington, D.C. The subcommittee met at 10:07 a.m., in room 1114, Everett McKinley Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. J. Bennett Johnston, Jr. (chairman) presiding. Present: Senators Johnston, Hatfield, and Schmitt. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SOLAR ENERGY AND ENERGY STORAGE PROGRAMS STATEMENT OF THOMAS E. STELSON, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CONSERVATION AND SOLAR ENERGY ACCOMPANIED BY: ROBERT SAN MARTIN, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY, FIELD OPER. BENNETT MILLER, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY, SOLAR ENERGY OPENING REMARKS Senator JOHNSTON. The subcommittee will come to order. Continuing with our hearings on fiscal year 1981 budget, we welcome Dr. Thomas E. Stelson, Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Solar Energy for the Department of Energy, to present budget requests for the solar energy program and energy storage program. This is Dr. Stelson's first appearance before our committee. Since our hearing last year, there has been a further consolidation and reorganization of programs and activities in the Department of Energy. Dr. Stelson was confirmed by the Senate in the closing days of the last session for the position he now holds. One of our principal concerns in the solar energy program has been that we have perceived there to be a proliferation and fragmentation in the Department of Energy and Federal Government of its solar energy efforts, resulting in duplication, waste, and inefficiencies. (639) I understand the purpose of the reorganization is to place the func tions in one office in order to coordinate and implement total program objectives. Dr. Stelson, even though you have been here only a few months, we look forward to your efforts to pull this together and we extend to you a warm welcome. If you would like to introduce those who are accompanying you, you may do so. Please proceed. INTRODUCTION OF ASSOCIATES Dr. STETSON. Thank you very much. With me today on my right is Dr. Robert San Martin, who is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Solar Energy Research Institute, Regional Solar Energy Centers, and the international programs. On my immediate left is Dr. Bennett Miller, who is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Solar Energy. Second to the left is George Pezdirtz, who is Acting Director of the Office of Advanced Conservation Technology. This is the unit that is responsible for the energy storage research and commercialization. I am very pleased to be here and to present the fiscal year 1981 budget request for solar energy and energy storage. The need for energy conservation and the increased use of renewable resources is particularly critical at this time in the Nation's history. Escalating costs of energy and the increasing dependence on foreign petroleum threaten our economic prosperity, aggravate inflation, weaken our currency, and constrain our foreign policy. PREPARED STATEMENT I have a fairly lengthy statement. If it is agreeable with you, I would like to just summarize it. Senator JOHNSTON. The full statement will be included in the record. [The statement follows:] |