Clinton touts fuels research on Cantwell campaign visit

Sat., Jan. 28, 2006

Jackson Holtz Associated Press

SEATTLE – Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said Friday that a latter-day Manhattan Project should be created to spur research and development of alternative fuels and lessen dependence on foreign oil.

Clinton, D-N.Y., announced the plan with fellow Sen. Maria Cantwell at a Friday news conference at Seattle Biodiesel, the largest producer of alternative fuel in the West. Clinton, widely viewed as the front-runner for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, was in town to raise money for Cantwell, D-Wash., who is seeking re-election this year.

Clinton said the foundation of her proposed Advanced Research Projects Energy Act would be akin to the Defense Advance Research Program Agency that is widely credited with the creation of the Internet.

“This is exactly what we should be doing,” said Clinton. “But there’s lots to be done.”

The legislation would earmark billions of dollars for research at a new office within the Department of Energy.

Cantwell said her focus on alternative energy is a priority.

“This is about having the will and the vision to carry out what is a security and economic need for our country,” Cantwell said.

The news conference followed a luncheon at Qwest Field to raise money for Cantwell’s re-election effort.

The Cantwell campaign reported that about 1,200 people attended the event. Tickets sold for $150 to $1,000.

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