Bush & Bodman Pledge "Sufficient" NREL Funding - Next Year

[hatrack]

Washington - President Bush and Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman committed Tuesday to making sure the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden gets sufficient federal funding next year, Sen. Ken Salazar said.

NREL has sustained 31 layoffs and budget cuts recently despite the administration's announced interest in promoting renewable energy.

Salazar, a Democrat, joined several other senators invited to the White House by Bush on Tuesday to talk about energy issues and breaking "America's addiction to foreign oil," Salazar said, adding that the president talked at length about renewable energy.
"He said, 'I want to be as bold as I can on this issue, and I need your help developing an action plan,"' Salazar said of Bush.

Bush's original budget proposal for next year, issued Feb. 6, showed a cut in the lab's budget from $172 million to $162 million on top of earlier cuts. But Energy Department officials later said the lab could receive a net $15 million increase in funds through various energy initiatives.

EDIT

http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_3509550

[wryter2000]

1. Suuuuure, Salazar

You still believing their lies, Salazar? I have a bridge to sell you.

[librechik]

2. "Trust Us"

...why?