A New Independence - Energy Independence

Today, on the fourth of July, the U.S. commemorated 234 years of independence from Great Britain.

We think it’s time for another declaration of independence – a declaration of energy independence. In recognition of this day and the ongoing debate over comprehensive energy and climate legislation, Applied Materials – the world’s leading supplier of solar panel manufacturing equipment – outlines how America can remain competitive in the clean energy race and lead America’s next great industry.

We need policy that includes:

• A Renewable Electricity Standard with teeth: 25% by 2025.

• Policy incentives - such as low-cost financing for renewable project deployment and a permanent Manufacturing Tax Credit/Investment Tax Credit.

• Increased federal procurement of renewable energy. The government is the largest consumer of energy in the U.S. at 250 gigawatts per year.

• A price on carbon.

We look forward to the national adoption of these key policies that will make the U.S. not only a leader in clean technology, but also bring us one step closer to true energy independence.