Robert Menendez

New Jersey has long been the birthplace of innovation, from the days when Thomas Edison took an invention from his workshop and lit up the world. The breakthroughs that happen here, from the light bulb to disease-eradicating medicines, have not only changed lives, but they have fueled economic prosperity.

Today, our state continues to help lead the way with innovations that can improve our quality of life while creating economic security in the 21st Century. Our state is 2nd in solar power. Research that takes place here is helping make our families healthier. And we are home to some of the nation's top research universities, where many of the best ideas are born.

In Congress, I have helped secure billions of dollars worth of federal investments in New Jersey initiatives and sectors that are helping move us forward. With the goal of ensuring that New Jersey is a place where someone can fully develop a product -- from idea all the way to distribution -- I helped create the Liberty Corridor by securing the necessary federal investments. I am also the author of legislation to make the use of solar panels easier and more affordable and the law to increase manufacturing of solar panels and energy-efficient lighting right here at home.

The economic benefits of innovation extend far beyond the entreprenuer who has the initial idea. The job creation that is associated with a new business is also tremendously important for thousands of workers and their families. That is why I am strong proponent of education programs to train our workers in the sectors of the 21st Century.

Highlights

• Solar power and LED lighting -- Author of provisions enacted into law in the economic recovery package to boost use of solar power and manufacturing of LED lighting. The provisions create a nationwide program that supports local governments wishing to help homeowners install solar panels and incentivize the production of the next generation of energy efficient lighting.

• Manufacturing advanced, clean energy techonology -- Sponsored legislation in 2009 to provide tax credits for solar energy manufacturing so that solar panels can be made affordably in the U.S. Helped include tax credits for clean energy manufacturing --particularly LED lighting -- in the economic recovery package enacted into law in 2009.

• Biotechnology tax credit -- Author of amendment to secure a tax credit for new biotechnology firms. This would help firms that may hold the key to the next great medical breakthrough weather the financial challenges that normally arise as a firm is first starting.
  

• Consumer access to solar power -- Author of Solar Opportunity and Local Access Rights (SOLAR) Act, which would make it easier for consumers to install solar cells on their property by ensuring that utility companies allow alternative energy generators to connect to the power grid, and guarantee that excess power generated by these sources can be sold back to the utility at a fair rate. The bill would also help protect prospective consumers from exorbitant permitting and licensing fees.

• Natural gas vehicles -- Author of NAT GAS Act to boost vehicles that run on clean natural gas by extending and increasing tax credits for natural gas vehicles and refueling.

• Science and technology education -- Author of provisions enacted into law as part of the 2007 America COMPETES Act to increase the number of women and minorities in the science and technology fields and aid in revitalizing high school science labs in rural communities. Provision originally included in Menendez's Partnership for Access to Laboratory Science (PALS) Act.