Rep. Forbes reintroduces the new Manhattan Project

Washington, D.C., Feb 6 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that he has reintroduced the New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence in the 111^th Congress. The legislation, which would challenge the United States to reach 50% energy independence in ten years and 100% energy independence in 20 years, has been hailed as one of the most bold and innovative energy solutions before Congress.

“The economic challenges we face today are far greater than one simple solution can fix. Now more than ever there must be a collective resolve to answer some of the significant challenges we face as a nation. While gas prices have remained low over the past several months, we would be unwise to forget the need to solve America’s energy crisis and find solutions for energy independence. Additionally, the likelihood of gas prices skyrocketing again in the coming months will create even greater financial distress for American families,” said Forbes. “Solving our nation’s energy crisis is a critical step to creating lasting economic security for our nation and its families. The New Manhattan Project creates a bold initiative to move us in this direction of energy independence. I encourage the current Majority leadership to move quickly on this legislation to bring it to the House floor for consideration.”

The New Manhattan Project, H.R. 513, calls for the United States to achieve 50% energy independence in ten years and 100% energy independence in 20 years. To achieve these goals, the New Manhattan Project will bring together the scientists and researchers in the U.S. in a competitive format to reach one of seven energy goals. The project will award significant prizes to the first group, school, team, or company that reaches each goal as determined by a New Manhattan Project commission of scientists. Cash prizes to be awarded to the first person or entity to achieve each of the following goals:

• Double CAFE standards to 70 MPG while keeping vehicles affordable
• Cut home and business energy usage in half
• Make solar power work at the same cost as coal
• Make the production of biofuels cost-competitive with gasoline
• Safely and cheaply store carbon emissions from coal-powered plants
• Safely store or neutralize nuclear waste
• Produce usable electricity from a nuclear fusion reaction

In addition, the bill sets aside funding for grants to individual researchers, groups, educational institutions or businesses to help share the cost of work toward achieving the goals.

The New Manhattan Project was originally introduced by Congressman Forbes in the 110^th Congress as H.R. 6260. For more information on the New Manhattan Project, visit http://forbes.house.gov/issues/energy.htm.

Forbes Reintroduces the New Manhattan Project

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