Local solar panels creating jobs, protecting the troops

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the ribbon cutting of a new manufacturing facility in our district, in Rosedale. For the first time, SunDial unveiled its amazing mobile solar systems, which are providing electricity to remote military outposts around the world.

Not only is SunDial creating quality new jobs for Maryland families (and using six Maryland subcontractors), they are protecting our warfighters by reducing our reliance on diesel generators and fuel convoys in hostile countries. In the past decade, more than 1,000 American troops have died in fuel convoys.

Just yesterday morning, another NATO fuel convoy was attacked in Afghanistan, where the Department of Defense recently concluded a very successful 2-year test of SunDial’s solar systems. We learned, with SunDial’s help, we can save tax dollars and, more importantly, save lives.

We can also create jobs -- the types of quality manufacturing jobs that are going to help our country get out of this recession. Manufacturers support 1 of every 6 private sector jobs in America, or nearly 19 million people. We have to work together in a bipartisan way to support our manufacturers so these jobs can be retained and even more can be created.

I am proud to represent businesses such as SunDial and I wish them the best of luck as they continue to grow and innovate!