OH-18: Space (D) Wins Approval of $48M Alternative Energy Initiative

Congratulations to Rep. Zack Space (D-Dover) for winning a significant victory today in his effort to bring economic development funding to his district.

Space is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. At a meeting this morning, Space's amendment to H.R. 799, a bill to reauthorize the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for five years, passed with bipartisan support. H.R. 799, as amended, was reported out of committee.

ARC is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. Fourteen of the 16 counties in the 18th Ohio Congressional District are included in the ARC program. Space's amendment creates an alternative energy initiative within ARC that could result in as much as $48 million in grants over four years. It will support projects that increase the use of renewable energy resources, especially biomass, and will support the development of advances in conventional energy resources such as advanced clean coal.

Speaking of the reauthorization bill, Transportation Committee Chair Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN) said it "builds on more than four decades of economic development successes through job creation in some of the nation’s most disadvantaged yet deserving communities. I have witnessed first-hand the triumph that is possible when the Federal Government joins in partnership with states, localities, economic development districts, and private businesses to break the cycle of crippling and pervasive poverty.”

Because of Space's alternative energy initiative, the distressed areas of Appalachia may now find themselves a frontline in the country's effort to reduce its dependence on foreign oil. "Alternative energy production will breathe additional life into Appalachia because these counties are blessed with enormous resources that can be used for alternative energy," said Space. "These resources such as coal, corn, wind, and hydroelectric power already exist, but we haven't taken full advantage of them. Now we will. The economic effects will reverberate throughout the entire region."

"We hear a lot of talk on Capitol Hill about changing our energy habits without much action," Space added. "This bill sets the course for change."