Washington, D.C. - Congressman David Price (NC-04) toured a local solar farm in Cary today with North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan, Representative Bob Etheridge (NC-02), Representative G.K. Butterfield (NC-01), Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. The six toured the farm, owned and operated by Southern Energy Management, while Sec. Salazar and Sec. Chu are in Cary to attend meetings with the Business Council on energy policy options and American competitiveness. Price gave brief remarks before the tour.

"We must find new, clean-energy solutions to meet our resource needs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create a new generation of jobs, providing climate and energy security for us, and generations to come," Rep. Price said.

The Business Council is an association of top executives from some of the world's leading businesses. Its members include the CEOs of major American companies like Amazon.com, Goldman Sachs, Caterpillar and Johnson & Johnson. The council's meeting included speakers on addressing global climate change, using technology to meet energy challenges and the economic implications of pending legislation.

"American companies could reap huge benefits by being early adopters of the clean-energy technologies now coming to market," Rep. Price said. "With our world-class research universities, and innovative businesses, the Triangle can show American businesses the path from research and development to implementation."

Southern Energy Management operates the solar farm for SAS Institute's headquarters in Cary. It uses solar panels to capture sunlight and generate electricity for 200 homes. The company also partners with local universities and entities across the state, on clean-energy solar projects.

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