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Motion expressing the Sense of Council of Allegheny County by supporting continued and increased funding for research at the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Pittsburgh and encouraging our local delegation in Washington, D.C. to support this effort.
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WHEREAS, the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Pittsburgh conducts research on a number of projects including mercury removal from flue gas, CO2 sequestration and hydrogen membrane testing; and
WHEREAS, such research is operated and supported through a calibration lab, an electric shop with journeyman electricians and a first-class machine shop where the lead machinist does design work; and
WHEREAS, Parsons Federal Services, a contractor to the Department of Energy which is responsible for this research and development has been plagued by budget problems that could have resulted in layoffs but for the cooperation of union and management in adverting such a situation; and
WHEREAS, the issue of budget shortfalls continue causing concern for employment, loss of medical benefits, inability to pay bills and the far-reaching effect that such a problem would have in the community and local economy; and
WHEREAS, with the support and cooperation of our local representatives in Washington, D.C., the funding for the research at the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Pittsburgh could be maintained benefiting many in the community.
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED, AND IT IS THE SENSE OF THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, that we express our support of continued and increased funding for research at the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Pittsburgh and encourage our local delegation in Washington, D.C. to support this effort.