WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a hearing of the Science, Space and Technology Committee today, Congressman Kevin Cramer questioned Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) research in gas turbine efficiency, and the status of hydraulic fracturing research activities.
“In North Dakota, any research that has as its ultimate goal extending the life of our coal mines and our Bakken oil patch is a noble goal indeed,” Cramer told Moniz. “I just hope we can put enough research dollars into DOE to keep up with the rules at the EPA, so we don’t get the rule ahead of the research.”
Cramer spoke to the role of turbine efficiency in putting the United States at a global advantage as natural gas becomes a more important fuel.
“If we could squeeze another percent or two and get into the low sixties, my understanding is it could make quite a massive difference,” said Cramer. Moniz confirmed small percentages do matter, but failed to point out any current significant research being done.
Congressman Cramer also asked for an update on the status of an interagency working group to coordinate and plan agency hydraulic fracturing research. After announcing the group two years ago, the Obama Administration has missed repeated deadlines while spending taxpayer dollars in presenting its research plan to Congress. Moniz confirmed the group is “very active” and told the Congressman he would look into the issue.
The hearing also examined the overall science and technology priorities of the Department of Energy as reflected in the President’s fiscal year 2015 budget, which includes a 2.6 percent increase over current spending.
Press release provided by US Congressman Kevin Cramer
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