This week, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) helped pass a series of bills that would enhance the development of energy technologies by investing in Department of Energy (DOE) research, modernizing DOE infrastructure, and expanding STEM education programs.

Rep. Peters released the following statement:

“Our country’s future depends on strong investment in state-of-the-art energy technologies, modernization of our nation’s energy infrastructure, and STEM education programs that prepare the next generation to address the future of energy security,” said Rep. Peters. “Congress cannot let partisan politics get in the way of investing in energy efficiency and innovation. These bills are a step in the right direction to assuring that the United States is the world leader for years to come in innovative energy technologies and STEM research.”

Below are the most significant energy and innovation bills passed by the House this week:

The Department of Energy Research Infrastructure Act of 2017 authorizes upgrades to Stanford’s Linac Coherent Light Source II facility, the world’s first hard X-ray free-electron laser and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams.

The Accelerating American Leadership in Science Act of 2017 authorizes upgrades to the Advanced Photon Source and the construction of a Long Baseline Neutrino Facility to provide proton power to the Spallation Neutron Source, and construction of a second station for the Spallation Neutron Source.

The Nuclear Energy Research Infrastructure Act of 2017 directs the Secretary of Energy to build a Versatile Neutron Source using funds from the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy.

The Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2017 continues to fund Department of Energy’s Low-Dose Radiation Research Program, which focuses on the health effects of ionizing radiation in the low dose range.

The Building Blocks of STEM Act instructs the National Science Foundation to consider research with a focus on early childhood when awarding grants under the Discovery Research Pre-K - 12 program.