This week I went again to Washington to discuss the economy, jobs and North Carolina on the national – and international -- stage.
I met first with Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and discussed the Energy Department’s upcoming competition to create a series of national renewable energy “hubs.” The hubs – one of which could ideally be located in North Carolina -- would bring together scientists, industry, and government resources to move us all forward on the road to cleaner energy and independence from foreign oil. The Research Triangle Energy Consortium here in North Carolina will be the strongest applicant for some $135 million DOE plans to spend for one of these hubs during the next five years, and I wanted the secretary to know that. The Consortium ties together UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State, Duke and the Research Triangle Institute with other area institutions and industry players in the effort to develop new technologies using sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to both capture carbon emissions and – get this – turn them into liquid fuels through processes mimicking photosynthesis.
What a vision. Basically recycling carbon pollution into carbon-neutral fuels that can reduce our dependence on uncertain overseas petroleum sources, while creating good jobs in America at the same time. Combined with our existing efforts though the NC Biotechnology Center and the NC Biofuels Center, such a national hub would become a jobs driver that will pay dividends here in the Old North State, and to the nation and the world.
Before heading home I talked with senior White House officials and several other governors about the economy and jobs, and the necessity for continued joint efforts to support the recovery that we’re beginning to see. While GDP and corporate activity is rebounding, and the stimulus passed early this year is making a real difference, I will not rest until we have brought down the unemployment that has spiked so high in our State and nationally this year.
It is reassuring and encouraging to be able to report that we are not on our own; we have leadership in Washington that understands our issues and wants our ideas on how to bring back good jobs for all our people. Stay tuned.