Luke_Wilbur

This email forwarded to me caught my attention. It was written by Richard A. McCormack. Attention White House this should be a national security priority! The United States is not a desirable place to build a newsemiconductor wafer fabrication (fab) plant. Such plants are massive,costing upwards of $8 billion and generating thousands of direct and indirect high-paying jobs, spinoff revenue for local communities and massive investments in research, equipment and materials.Semiconductors sit at the top of the electronics industry pyramid. The United States invented the technology, but it's become a small player as measured by global production. In 2009, 16 fabs began construction throughout the world. Oneof them was in the United States, according to Daniel Tracy, senior director of industry research and statistics at Semiconductor Equipment Materials International. Seven of the fabs that began construction will produce light-emitting diodes, one of the most promising energy-saving technologies developed in 50 years. None of those fabs will be in the United States. The only semiconductor fabrication plant that started construction last year in the United States is in Saratoga County,N.Y., a Global Foundries facility that will produce 40,000, 300-mm wafers per month (at 28 nanometers and below). China led the world last year in new semiconductor factoryconstruction, with six fabs, followed by Taiwan with five, and Korea,Japan, the European Union and Southeast Asia, all with one apiece. As of 2009, the percentage of global semiconductor production capacity located in the United States was 14 percent, down from 25 percent in 2005 and 17 percent in 2007. Japan has the highest share of global capacity (at 25 percent), followed by Taiwan (18 percent, up from 11 percent in 2001), Korea (17 percent, up from 11 percent in2001), Europe and the Middle East (11 percent), China (9 percent, up from 2 percent in 2001) and Southeast Asia (6 percent). The United States does lead the world in one category, however:closures. In 2009, 27 fabs closed worldwide, with 15 of them in theUnited States (followed by four in Europe, four in Japan, two in China,one in Korea and one in Southeast Asia). The number of closures last year almost doubled from the previous year, when 15 fabs were shut down worldwide, again, with the largest number in the United States (at four). Why is the United States losing out on the next phase of thesemiconductor boom? "It's not direct labor," says George Scalise, president of the Semiconductor Industry Association. "It's not materials -- they cost the same everywhere. If you go down the list of expenses, every-thing is the same, except for tax policies and subsidies." Every country except the United States tries to attract investment in semiconductor manufacturing by offering companies tax holidays, tax abatements and subsidies. "Sometimes the land is given toyou free," says Scalise. "Other services, such as water and electricity, are made available to you at favorable rates. What it boils down to is that there is a constructed comparative advantage"available in other nations. If a semiconductor manufacturing company wants to make aninvestment in another country those incentives will save at least $1billion in costs over a 10-year period compared to operating a plant in the United States. If the United States wants to remain in the global semiconductor ballgame, then it is going to have to pony up. "If you talk about a $5-billion fab that you put in the United States, the incentive program over a five- to seven-year period would be a total of$1 billion," says Scalise. "Now that is not very much money when youthink about the four-X multiplication factor of that investment in thethousands of new jobs, economic vitality and the supply lines that gointo those plants." Without new manufacturing plants, the U.S. economy is facingperilous times. The semiconductor industry has entered the nanotechnology era, and the manufacturing processes it is developing for the deposition of materials will transform the next generation of products and determine the economic fate of countries. The semiconductor industry operates in an "innovation ecosystem" whose two primary pillars are manufacturing and research and development. Without one, there cannot be the other, according to alargely ignored report from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and authored by Scalise. The United States economy cannot be dependent on "knowledge" if its research and development is "de-coupled" from manufacturing. "Design, product development and process evolution all benefit from proximity to manufacturing, so that new ideas can be tested and discussed with those working 'on the ground,' " says the report that was released during the George W. Bush administration entitled"Sustaining the Nation's Innovation Ecosystems, Information Technology Manufacturing and Competitiveness." "As the velocity of technology development accelerates, the interdependency between new research and manufacturing becomes vitally important, and those linkages are provided by people. Locations that possess both strong R&D centers and manufacturing capabilities have a competitive edge." The U.S. leadership in high technology is at risk if the manufacturing "anchor" is damaged, said the PCAST study. "Other countries are moving swiftly to co-locate R&D centers of excellence next to the manufacturing plants they attract." China's swift entry into this arena "has created a new level of nervousness, because of its size and its commitment to a high-tech industrial policy." PCAST points out that "China also has a flexible, entrepreneur culture, which some of its neighbors do not." Politicians in Washington "keep stumbling around and have been absolutely ineffective in doing anything about" improving the competitive underpinnings of the United States high-tech industry, says Scalise. "If the competition demands that you put in place incentives and subsidies then that is what you have to do to win." The U.S. government might chafe at the idea of providing incentives as being "corporate welfare," but this attitude is not helping improve the fortunes of the high-tech industry or its hundreds of thousands of well-paid workers. In its annual jobs forecast released in December 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said that semiconductor manufacturing will lose 146,000 jobs over the coming decade, from 432,000 in 2008 to 287,000 in 2018, a decline of 34 percent. "People want to turn the cart over and ask, 'Is this corporate welfare?' -- as if you're bailing somebody out," says Randy Goodall,former director of business development at Sematech, the semiconductor manufacturing R&D consortium. "But the fact is if a company likeAMD wants to build a new $4-billion or $5-billion manufacturing facility that will draw supply chain players, universities, researchers and engineering around it, it's going to be a powerhouse in your economy. If you're going to do that, then buying them -- if you will --is very different from propping up some old manufacturer that isn't competitive with someone in another part of the world. In that case,propping them up artificially so you don't lose the jobs is corporate welfare. In the other case, you're in the marketplace for economic development drivers and you're buying one. It is a free market. You don't have to participate. You don't have to go buy anything that you don't want to go buy. Governments have to decide whether they want to participate -- 'Will we go get things?' Some of the states have made that decision: they're going to take a shot at it and bring these things in." Scalise says that it is time for Washington politicians to do"what they said they were committed to doing, which is to create high-value jobs and create exports. They have to have the courage and the political will to do the right thing. It is time for them to act."

I think it is going to be terrific.

I thought President Bush's switch grass and natural gas was the way to go. Ethanol is not that efficient and caused the corn prices to sky rocket. I am very happy that Nuclear energy is once again being embraced. I love Homer Simpson, but the dumb guy controlling a nuclear reactor has to go. Why is everyone so hyped up putting investment abroad. We should get foreign investors back here in America. AMERICANS NEED JOBS PEOPLE.

I am not following you. Who is Thompson? I know Hillary is Pro-Choice. I just looked it up and forty five thousand people die each year due to the lack of health insurance. http://www.cbsnews.c...in5318652.shtml Forty six million people are without health insurance. http://www.cbpp.org/...?fa=view&id=628 Can we all link our sources when we state facts. I know I forget sometimes, but it makes it easier for clarification. Thanks. I am actually for most of Healthcare. I do not think any group should get preferential treatment. So on that point I am with you. Sorry, but I will keep on fighting any abortion legislation. I am Catholic and abortion is against my religious belief. Although, I do believe that a woman does have a right to choose. I am just not trying to fund her mistake. Can you explain what you mean by illegal immigration? My family came through Ellis Island.

APE SHALL NEVER KILL APE!

That would be alot of fun.

What we need to all understand is that like this bill, we all our not getting any younger. Our children can put up with this rhetorical volleys all day long. Force a cap on premiums. No patients are turned away. Physician care cost should depend on the level of premiums. Luke

The following quotes were made on the floor of the United States Senate by Senator Jim Bunning : "It seems to me people have not been listening, particularly the Senator from Illinois. He has been through two of these with the leader. He heard the arguments on both sides. Unfortunately, he has a one-side-only view of this situation. I have offered the same COBRA,flood insurance, unemployment insurance, Satellite Home Viewing Act,highway funding, SBA loans, small business provisions--I have offered to do the same thing for the same amount of time. The only difference I have, and some of my good friends from the other side of the aisle, is that I believe we should pay for it. There is a right over the last 3years of the Democratically controlled Congress. We have run up $5trillion in debt. There has to be a time to stop that." (2/25/10) "Well, we have tried to work this out with the majority,particularly after the pay-go vote last week. When 100 senators are fora bill and we can't find $10 billion to pay for it, there's something the matter, seriously the matter with this body. I've said that last night. I don't want to repeat myself. I have offered several ways to pay for it. If everybody in this chamber -- and there is no senators except me here right now, but there are 100 members of this body --believes as the senator from Illinois does that this is essential and we should pass it, then we should pay for it. There are going to be other bills brought to this floor that are not going to be paid for,and I'm going to object every time they do it. I don't much agree with the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, but it was striking yesterday when he said if at the present level of debt and the present administration's budget is passed, that the debt of the United States will be unsustainable, unsustainable to me means that there is a chance of one of the rating agencies downgrading the rating on our debt. We cannot allow that to happen. Because I have got too many young grandchildren that want America to be the same America that I grew up in. And I'm worried to death that that's not going to be the case."(2/26/10)

One of the co-founders, Mark Meckler of the Tea Party Patriots emerges as face of Tea Party movement. http://www.theunion.com/article/20100227/NEWS/100229809/1006&parentprofile=1053 Meckler, who describes himself as a “natural networker,” quickly beganworking to link up organizers and solidify the Tea Party movement. Hehelped organize a statewide Tax Day Tea Party on April 15 and then wasasked to become the state coordinator for the national effort. “I'm the guy who always raises his hand,” he said. “That's how I got ‘catapulted' to the forefront. It's very unglamorous work.” Afterthe nationwide protests drew what Meckler said was an estimated 1.2million participants, a decision was made to form the Tea PartyPatriots. “Some of us weren't willing to let it die,” he said. Mecklerstresses three primary themes for Tea Partiers — fiscal responsibility,a government limited by the United States Constitution, and freemarkets. The core issue of fiscal responsibility is just commonsense, he argues — and it's a message “the majority of Americans knowin their gut.” Fiscal conservatism does not mean shirkingsocial responsibilities, Meckler noted, insisting that “if we get ourfiscal house in order, there will be plenty of money to take care ofthose who need help ... “There is waste, fraud and abuse atevery level. There's plenty of wealth in this country,” Meckler said.“So much of it is frittered away.” Although the Tea Partymovement is often associated with the Republican Party, Mecklerstrongly disavows a political connection. He dropped his own Republicanaffiliation eight years ago and now is a registered Independent. “Ifelt like the Republican Party didn't represent my values,” he said.“The political parties represent entrenched interests ... and theynever do what they say.” Meckler estimated that about 40 percentof the people who are part of the Tea Party movement are Republicans,with another 40 percent identifying themselves as independent and 20percent identifying themselves as Democrats. He stressed thedistinctions among the Tea Party Patriots, the Tea Party Express —which is run by a Republican political consultant and raises funds fora PAC — and the recent Tea Party Nation convention, which offered a lotof exposure but also gave the erroneous impression that Sarah Palin isthe leader of the Tea Party movement. “With any movement, you'llhave people attach themselves for good reasons and bad reasons,”Meckler said. “You're going to have the crazies, (like) the birthers,but that's not the movement. You can't judge the movement by thefringe.” (”Birthers” is a term used to refer to people who question President Barack Obama's citizenship.) Meckleralso refutes any perception the movement has splintered, arguing thatis a charge used by the political left to denigrate Tea Partiers — andby members of the right wing who come from the “old, top-down paradigm.” “Theywant to know who's the leader,” he said. “And, too, some people callfor unity because they want to be the leader. You see that with theGOP; they're trying to co-opt the movement as hard as they can. “TheRepublican Party is not the Tea Party. Anybody who tries to co-opt themovement doesn't understand the Tea Party. We cannot be co-opted.” TheTea Party strategy, as Meckler sees it, starts at the very local level,developing a “farm team” that will run for city council and schoolboard seats, training to move up to the next political level. “I expect to see a revolution of elected leaders who believe in fiscal responsibility,” he said. The ideal candidate? Someone who really believes in public service, in putting country ahead of party. “I think Ronald Reagan would have loved the Tea Party,” he said. Meckler has no problem being called politically naive. “Ican't tell you the number of times politicians have told me, ‘You justdon't understand how it works,'” Meckler said, dropping into a Southernaccent. But politicians need to know the electorate is paying attention, Meckler added. “Thisis what we've been guilty of the last 20 years: We let them get awaywith it,” he said. “Our job is to melt the phones, to send the e-mails.” Part of the sea change he advocates has to do with people acting as “permanent citizen activists.”

Why can't any Community Health Centers that take Federal funding be required to not use the money for abortion procedures or abortion infrastructure?

Title V. Health Care Workforce Expanding Community Health Centers The Act provides $11 billion in funding for the operation, expansion, and construction of community health centers throughout the Nation. This investment will help community health centers provide better care to people in need all across America. http://www.whitehous...-health-centers

December 09, 2009 White House Release Remarks by the President on Community Health Centers South Court Auditorium 12:39 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. I am pleased that you could all join us today as we announce three new initiatives to help our community health centers provide better care to people in need all across America. (Applause.) I want to thank our Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius; our Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin; our Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, Dr. Mary Wakefield; and our Deputy Secretary of HHS, Bill Corr, for being here today and for their outstanding work to support community health centers. There they are. (Applause.) By the way, Regina, it's good to see you in your uniform. (Laughter.) We had been waiting for that. I also want to thank the many members of Congress who are with us today both in the audience and up on the stage, particularly Bernie Sanders and Representative Jim Clyburn. We are grateful for all that you've done. (Applause.) And I especially want to recognize the leaders here today from health centers across the country for what all of you are doing in your communities every day –- working long hours to provide quality care at prices that people can afford, with the dignity and respect they deserve, and in a way that takes into account the challenges that they face in their lives. For you folks, health care isn't just about diagnosing patients and treating illness –- it's about caring for people and promoting wellness. It's about emphasizing education and prevention, and helping people lead healthier lives so they don't get sick in the first place. And it works. Studies show that people living near a health center are less likely to go to the emergency room and less likely to have unmet critical medical needs. CHCs are proven to reduce ethnic and racial disparities in care. And the medical expenses of regular CHC patients are nearly 25 percent lower than those folks who get their care elsewhere -- 25 percent lower. So you can see why, in a speech marking the first anniversary of the first community health centers in America, Senator Ted Kennedy declared, "You have not only assured the best in health care for your families and neighbors, but you've also begun a minor revolution in American medicine." Now, unfortunately, today, nearly 45 years later, that care has yet to reach many of the folks in this country who need it most. Today, millions of Americans still have difficulty accessing primary health care, and many of them are uninsured. Many have insurance, but live in underserved areas, whether in urban or rural communities. So they don't get regular checkups, they don't get routine screenings. When they get sick or hurt, they tough it out and hope for the best, and when things get bad enough they head to the emergency room. So we end up treating complications, crises and chronic conditions that could have been prevented in the first place. And the cost is measured not just in dollars spent on health care, or in lost workplace absences and lower productivity, but in the kind of raw human suffering that has no place in the United States of America in the year 2009. No matter what party we belong to, or where on the political spectrum we fall, none of us thinks this is acceptable. None of us would defend this system. And that's why we've taken up the cause of health insurance reform this year. It's why many of the folks in this room fought so hard to ensure that the Recovery Act included unprecedented investments –- a total of $2 billion –- to upgrade and expand our health centers –- investments that embody the act's core mission: to help folks hardest hit by this recession, to put people back to work, and to leave a legacy of improvements that will continue to lift up communities for generations to come. Today, we're well on our way to meeting these goals. We've created or saved up to 1.6 million jobs, according to the CBO -- the Congressional Budget Office -- through the Recovery Act. Our economy is growing again. We're doubling our capacity in renewable energy and rebuilding schools and laboratories, railways, and highways. Yesterday, the Kaiser Family Foundation issued a new report showing the Recovery Act has helped many states keep and improve access to health insurance for families in need. And so far, we've allocated nearly $1.4 billion to health centers across America so they can get to work building and renovating and hiring new staff this year. And today, I'm pleased to announce that we're awarding more than $500 million to 85 centers in more than 30 states and Puerto Rico that are providing critical care for so many folks with nowhere else to turn. (Applause.) We're investing in places like Canyonlands Community Health Care in Arizona, that has one facility operating in a building originally constructed as a chicken coop and another in a cramped fire station. We're investing in places like Avis Goodwin Community Health center in Dover, New Hampshire, that's become so overcrowded -- you must be from there. (Laughter.) It's become so overcrowded the doctors are using bathrooms and closets as offices. We're investing in Bucksport Regional Health Center in Maine, where doctors are double-booked and the waiting rooms are often standing room only. We're giving places like these the funding they need to upgrade and expand their facilities so they can meet the skyrocketing demand for services that's come with this economic downturn. But we won't just want our health centers to provide more care for more patients; we want them to provide better care as well. So starting today, we're making $88 million in funding available for centers to adopt new health information technology systems to manage their administrative and financial matters and transfer old paper files to electronic medical records. (Applause.) These investments won't just increase efficiency and lower costs, they'll improve the quality of care as well –- preventing countless medical errors, and allowing providers to spend less time with paperwork and more time with patients. That's the purpose of the final initiative I'm announcing today as well -– a demonstration project to evaluate the benefits of the "medical home" model of care that many of our health centers aspire to. The idea here is very simple: that in order for care to be effective, it needs to be coordinated. It's a model where the center that serves as your medical home might help you keep track of your prescriptions, or get the referrals you need, or work with you to develop a plan of care that ensures your providers are working together to keep you healthy. So taken together, these three initiatives –- funding for construction, technology, and a medical home demonstration –- they won't just save money over the long term and create more jobs, they're also going to give more people the peace of mind of knowing that health care will be there for them and their families when they need it. And ultimately, that's what health insurance reform is really about. That's what the members of Congress here today will be voting on in the coming weeks. (Applause.) Now, let me just end by saying a little bit about this broader effort. I know it's been a long road. (Laughter.) I know it's been a tough fight. But I also know the reason we've taken up this cause is the very same reason why so many members from both parties are here today –- because no matter what our politics are, we know that when it comes to health care, the people we serve deserve better. The legislation in Congress today contains both Democratic ideas and Republican ideas, and plenty of compromises in between. The Senate made critical progress last night with a creative new framework that I believe will help pave the way for final passage and a historic achievement on behalf of the American people. I support this effort, especially since it's aimed at increasing choice and competition and lowering cost. So I want to thank all of you for sticking with it, for all those late nights, all the long weekends that you guys have put in. With so much at stake, this is well worth all of our efforts. It is now my pleasure to sign the memo that will direct Secretary Sebelius to get started on that medical home demonstration. So let's do that. (Applause.) END 12:48 P.M. EST

White House Definition of CFC in HC Invest in Community Health Centers. Community health centers play a critical role in providing quality care in underserved areas. About 1,250 centers provide care to 20 million people, with an emphasis on preventive and primary care. The Senate bill increases funding to these centers for services by $7 billion and for construction by $1.5 billion over 5 years. The House bill provides $12 billion over the same 5 years. Bridging the difference, the President's Proposal invests $11 billion in these centers.

SEC. 10503. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AND THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CORPS FUND. (a) Purpose- It is the purpose of this section to establish a Community Health Center Fund (referred to in this section as the `CHC Fund'), to be administered through the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to provide for expanded and sustained national investment in community health centers under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act and the National Health Service Corps. ( b ) Funding- There is authorized to be appropriated, and there is appropriated, out of any monies in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to the CHC Fund-- (1) to be transferred to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide enhanced funding for the community health center program under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act-- ( A ) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; ( B ) $800,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; ( C ) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; ( D ) $1,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; and ( E ) $2,900,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and (2) to be transferred to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide enhanced funding for the National Health Service Corps-- ( A ) $290,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; ( B ) $295,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; ( C ) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; ( D ) $305,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; and ( E ) $310,000,000 for fiscal year 2015. ( c ) Construction- There is authorized to be appropriated, and there is appropriated, out of any monies in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $1,500,000,000 to be available for fiscal years 2011 through 2015 to be used by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for the construction and renovation of community health centers. ( d ) Use of Fund- The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall transfer amounts in the CHC Fund to accounts within the Department of Health and Human Services to increase funding, over the fiscal year 2008 level, for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps. ( e ) Availability- Amounts appropriated under subsections ( b ) and ( c ) shall remain available until expended

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi50KlsCBio

One of the best concerts I have ever experienced.

How much money is the government hiding? Is Medicare Advantage working well? Taxpayers currently pay the government to distribute insurance $1.15 for every $1.00 of insurance coverage.

Pre-Existing conditions we all should agree upon. No insurance company should deny coverage to a baby born with a deformation. Insurance should not be a gaming system.

Recent poll. Senator Baucus do you believe we are on the cusp of an agreed #HC Bill.? Do you believe the hcr bipartisan summit will be productive in producing a mutually agreeable hc solution for the American people? 1.) Yes [ 36% (4 votes) ] 2.) No [ 64% (7 votes) ] Twtpoll

Joined CNBC’s Squawk box this morning to discuss health care, the Roadmap, and deficits.

http://www.c-span.org/Topics/Health-Care-Insurance-Reform-Legislation-Town-Hall.aspx Live Coverage by C-Span

Strike out the statements in the bill that are not agreed by both sides. An estimated twenty percent. Build on what can be done today. Table that issue for a future bill revision.

A SeaWorld killer whale snatched a trainer from a poolsideplatform Wednesday and thrashed the woman around underwater, killingher in front of a horrified audience. It marked the third time theanimal had been involved in a human death. (Feb. 24)

Bloom Energy offers you a way to lock-in your electricity costs for thelong term. You can fix your electricity costs by entering into a longterm fuel contract with your gas supplier and taking advantage of ourability to consistently produce clean electricity from that fuel. Distributed Generation is the Answer Distributed generation refers to power generation at the point ofconsumption. Generating power on-site, rather than centrally,eliminates the cost, complexity, interdependencies, and inefficienciesassociated with transmission and distribution, and shifts control tothe consumer. In addition to providingdistributed generation, Bloom's technology offers several other keybenefits contributing to energy security. Bloom's modular building block architecture is fault tolerant, helping to ensure the highest levels of power availability. Thesystems are capable of running on a wide range of pipeline and locallystored fuels and can automatically detect an interruption and cut overfrom a primary to a backup fuel source. The systems can operate in grid parallel mode — the grid provides a great backup and surge handler. Inaddition to availability, power quality is also an important issue. Intoday's digital age, many technologies suffer from variation in voltageor electrical flow over the transmission and distributioninfrastructure that result in poor power quality. Bloom generatesperfect waveform at the point of consumption. That means perfect powerquality for our digital age. http://www.bloomenergy.com

Bloom Energy Debuts Advanced Fuel Cell to Provide Clean, Reliable, and Affordable Power 24/7 Bloom Energy Server provides continuous onsite electricity from wide range of renewable or traditional fuel sources Industry-leading customers include Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Cox Enterprises, eBay, Google, FedEx, Staples, and Walmart Bloom Energy Corporation, a Silicon Valley-based company committed to changing the way people generate and consume energy, announced today the availability of the Bloom Energy Server™, a patented solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology that provides a cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable alternative to both today’s electric grid as well as traditional renewable energy sources. The Bloom Energy Server provides distributed power generation, allowing customers to efficiently create their own electricity onsite. The company introduced its groundbreaking technology at an event hosted today at eBay Inc. headquarters along with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, General Colin Powell, and several of its early customers. Built using abundant and affordable materials, Bloom’s fuel cell technology is fundamentally different from the legacy “hydrogen” fuel cells most people are familiar with. The Bloom Energy Server is distinct in four primary ways: it uses lower cost materials, provides unmatched efficiency in converting fuel to electricity, has the ability to run on a wide range of renewable or traditional fuels, and is more easily deployed and maintained. Unlike traditional renewable energy technologies, like solar and wind, which are intermittent, Bloom’s technology can provide renewable power 24/7. Each Bloom Energy Server provides 100 kilowatts (kW) of power in roughly the footprint of a parking space. Each system generates enough power to meet the needs of approximately 100 average U.S. homes or a small office building. For more power, customers simply deploy multiple Energy Servers side by side. The modular architecture allows customers to start small and “pay as they grow”. Bloom’s customers have deployed the solution to lower and/or fix their energy costs, while significantly cutting their carbon footprint and enhancing their energy security by reducing their dependence on the grid. Customers who purchase Bloom’s systems can expect a 3-5 year payback on their capital investment from the energy cost savings. Depending on whether they are using a fossil or renewable fuel, they can also achieve a 40-100% reduction in their carbon footprint as compared with the U.S. grid. Customers announced today include Bank of America (NYSE: BAC); The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO); Cox Enterprises; eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY); FedEx Express, an operating company of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX); Google (Nasdaq: GOOG); Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS); and Walmart (NYSE: WMT). Since the first commercial customer installation in July 2008, Bloom’s Energy Servers have collectively produced more than 11 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity, with CO2 reductions estimated at 14 million pounds – the equivalent of powering approximately 1,000 American homes for a year and planting one million trees. “Bloom Energy is dedicated to making clean, reliable energy affordable for everyone in the world,” said Dr. KR Sridhar, principal co-founder and CEO of Bloom Energy. “We believe that we can have the same kind of impact on energy that the mobile phone had on communications. Just as cell phones circumvented landlines to proliferate telephony, Bloom Energy will enable the adoption of distributed power as a smarter, localized energy source. Our customers are the cornerstone of that vision and we are thrilled to be working with industry leading companies to lower their energy costs, reduce their carbon footprint, improve their energy security, and showcase their commitment to a better future.“ Powder to Power – How It Works Founded in 2001, Bloom Energy can trace its roots to the NASA Mars space program. For NASA, Sridhar and his team were charged with building technology to help sustain life on Mars using solar energy and water to produce air to breath and fuel for transportation. They soon realized that their technology could have an even greater impact here on Earth and began work on what would become the Bloom Energy Server. The Bloom Energy Server converts air and nearly any fuel source – ranging from natural gas to a wide range of biogases – into electricity via a clean electrochemical process, rather than dirty combustion. Even running on a fossil fuel, the systems are approximately 67% cleaner than a typical coal-fired power plant. When powered by a renewable fuel, they can be 100% cleaner. Each Energy Server consists of thousands of Bloom's fuel cells – flat, solid ceramic squares made from a common sand-like "powder." “Today we are witnessing something special," said John Doerr, partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Bloom Energy board member. "This is new kind of product announcement. It comes long after a product has shipped and it comes directly from marquis customers. For years, there have been promises of new energy solutions that are clean, distributed, affordable, and reliable; today we learn that Bloom, formerly in stealth, has actually delivered. Americans want clean, affordable, energy, 24x7 -- and all the jobs that go with it. Bloom's boxes are a breakthrough, serving energy, serving demanding customers, and serving our country." Bloom Energy’s management team possesses expertise across a number of relevant industries, including aerospace, high volume manufacturing, semiconductors, automotive, naval nuclear, and Silicon Valley startups. In addition to CEO Sridhar, the company’s board members include John Doerr, partner, Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers; General Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State; Scott Sandell, general partner, New Enterprise Associates (NEA); T.J. Rodgers, chairman, SunPower; and Eddy Zervigon, managing director, Morgan Stanley. Bloom Energy’s investors include Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, representing the firm’s first clean tech investment, as well as Morgan Stanley, NEA, and Northgate Capital.