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Records of the White House Office of Policy Development (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Nancy Maloley Subject Files
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2021-0173-F
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MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Policy Development, White House Office of
Series:
Maloley, Nancy, Files
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OA/ID Number:
04153
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04153-002
Folder Title:
Cold Fusion
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23
11
6
ROCKY FLATS
The Department of Justice has been investigating the Rocky
Flats Nuclear Power Plant for almost one year for possible
violations of environmental laws. I fully support this
investigation.
In order to determine the validity of allegations the
Department of Energy is fully cooperating with the Justice
Department.
Admiral Watkins has promised that it is his intention to
operate DOE facilities fully in compliance with all pertinent
statutes and in such a matter that the primary concern for the
environment, health and safety of the employees and public is
satisfied.
The Admiral has assigned Deputy Secretary Henson Moore as the
"on scene" official to assist in the investigation. In
addition, the contractor, Rockwell International, has been
directed to suspend all potentially unsafe operations until
the investigation is completed.
Admiral Watkins has a good working relationship with Colorado
Governor Romer and will keep the Governor appraised of any
developments at the Rocky Flats facility.
06/08/89 16:36
E 202 5867573 OFC OF SEC DOE
01
DATE: 6-8-89
TRANSMITTAL SHEET
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
TO:
Roger Porter / Paul Roellig
White House
456-1739
FROM: John Tuck
Under Secy,
586-6479
NO. OF PAGES:
2
MESSAGE: Per your request
06/08/89 16:37
T 202 5867573 OFC OF SEC DOE
02
There is a criminal investigation ongoing at the Rocky Flats
Nuclear Weapons Facility near Denver, Colorado. The Department
of Energy and the operator of the facility, Rockwell
International, are cooperating fully with the Department of
Justice, the FBI and the EPA in their investigation into alleged
violations of important environmental laws. Because this is an
ongoing criminal investigation I am not in a position to comment
on it in detail. We are all committed to the safe,
environmentally sound operation of these important facilities.
If it is determined that there have been violations of
environmental statutes, appropriate actions will be taken.
The Attorney General said he would take the unusual step of
making this investigation a matter of public record because he
believes, and I agree, that it is absolutely essential that the
public understand that this investigation does not signal any
major new environmental safety or health concern.
During this investigation, Energy Secretary Watkins has sent his
own team of experts to Rocky Flats to assure full cooperation
with the ongoing investigation, to assess the situation and to
report regularly and directly to him on any circumstances which
could affect continued safe and environmentally sound operations
of the facility.
We are coordinating our actions with Governor Romer's office in
Colorado to keep them fully apprised of developments.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 15, 1989
Dear Ed:
I have had my staff look into where the Administration
stands on Chronar's photovoltaic facility in Fairfield,
California.
Officials at the U.S. Department of Energy inform us that
they have enjoyed a strong and productive relationship with the
Chronar Corporation. A number of DOE-Chronar projects have
produced bountiful results. Chronar's R&D team has met or
exceeded subcontract milestones through the past nine years of
involvement and the Department is optimistic over Chronar's
future role in developing alternative energies. To date,
however, the department has not received any requests from
Chronar for any assistance on the project in Fairfield,
California.
The Bush Administration firmly believes that alternative
energy must play a part in helping our nation meet its future
energy requirements.
Sincerely,
John H. Sununu
Chief of Staff
Mr. Edward J. Carlough
General President
Sheet Metal Workers'
International Association
1750 New York Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 16, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR GOVERNOR SUNUNU
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
SUBJECT:
Letter to Edward J. Carlough
As you requested, my office has prepared the attached draft
response to Edward J. Carlough regarding his letter to you
concerning Chronar's photovoltaic facility in Fairfield, CA.
Recommendation: That you sign the attached letter.
ID# 029086
THE WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
INCOMING
FG006-03
DATE RECEIVED: APRIL 21, 1989
NAME OF CORRESPONDENT: MR. EDWARD J. CARLOUGH
SUBJECT: GOOD TO SEE YOU DURING THE LEGISLATIVE
CONFERENCE; SEEKS ANY HELP GOVERNOR SUNUNU
CAN GIVE WITH REGARD TO THE PHOTOVOLTAICS
PROJECT
ACTION
DISPOSITION
ROUTE TO:
ACT
DATE
TYPE C COMPLETED
OFFICE/AGENCY
(STAFF NAME)
CODE YY/MM/DD RESP D YY/MM/DD
JOHN SUNUNU
ORG 89/04/18 JS A8915104
REFERRAL NOTE:
PDPORT
A 89/5/08
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
PDMALO
A 89/05/10
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
MEDIA:L INDIVIDUAL CODES:
CS MAIL
USER CODES: (A)
(B)
(C)
*ACTION CODES:
*DISPOSITION
*OUTGOING
*
*
*
*CORRESPONDENCE:
*
*A-APPROPRIATE ACTION
*A-ANSWERED
*TYPE RESP=INITIALS
*
*C-COMMENT/RECOM
*B-NON-SPEC-REFERRAL
*
OF SIGNER
*
*D-DRAFT RESPONSE
*C-COMPLETED
*
CODE = A
*
*F-FURNISH FACT SHEET
*S-SUSPENDED
*COMPLETED = DATE OF
*
*I-INFO COPY/NO ACT NEC*
*
OUTGOING
*
*R-DIRECT REPLY W/COPY *
*
*
*S-FOR-SIGNATURE
*
*
*
*X-INTERIM REPLY
*
*
*
REFER QUESTIONS AND ROUTING UPDATES TO CENTRAL REFERENCE
(ROOM 75, OEOB) EXT-2590
KEEP THIS WORKSHEET ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL INCOMING
LETTER AT ALL TIMES AND SEND COMPLETED RECORD TO RECORDS
MANAGEMENT.
THE WHITE HOUSE
May 4, 1989
Dear Ed,
Sorry to take so long to get back to you.
I will have my staff review the situation in
the industry and see where we stand on this.
Thanks for your letter.
Regards,
Jim John H. Sununu
Chief of Staff
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Mr. Edward J. Carlough
General President
Sheet Metal Workers' International
Association
1750 New York Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
29086
OF
Edward J. Carlough
SHEET
1750 New York Avenue, N.W.
General President
METAL
Washington, D.C.
WORKERS'
20006
INTERNATIONAL
202/783-5880
ASSOCIATION
April 18, 1989
Mr. John Sununu
Chief of Staff
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Governor:
It was good to see you again during our Legislative Conference
early today and at the White House this evening. We are still
very much interes in in fact our Union's National
ension Fund is
incipa
of Chronar Corpor
on,
the
ount:
leadi
cturer
hotovoltaic panels.
Concerning the attached March 7 NEW YORK TIMES story regarding
ARCO, we are in negotiations with them at the present time to
acquire them. Better us than the Japanese or Germans.
Photovoltaics as you know John, is not solar. It is way beyond
it and it is much closer to economic reality than most people in
the country realize, but you might be interested to know that our
Pension Fund, Bechtel, and Pacific Gas and Electric are
co-venturing with Chronar to build what will be the world's
largest photovoltaic facility in Fairfield, California. We will
start breaking ground later this year and the first panels will
be rolling off the assembly line late Spring of next year. The
plant will have a 10 megawatt capacity which will represent
approximately one-fourth of the world's capacity at that time for
that one single plant and we will sell electricity at a shade
under $.12 per kilowatt hour. People in San Diego and Hawaii are
presently paying $.13 per kilowatt hour.
Mr. John Sununu
April 18, 1989
Page 2
We do need help on the photovoltaic project and are working
closely with key members of Congress in both parties on this
matter this week. Any help that you can give us will be
appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Edword J Carlough
Edward J. Carlough
General President
EJC/si
Attachment
SENT BY:ROGOVIN HUGE&SCHILLER ; 3- 8-89 ; 5:49PM ;
2024678485-
2027372424:# 3
5
The New York Times
March 7, 1989
U.S. Companies
Losing Interest
In Solar Energy
By MATTHEW L. WALD
Some of the nation's biggest backers
of solar energy are losing interest just
as the technology to transform sunlight
into electricity is getting closer to
being economically competitive with
some conventional power sources.
The world's largest maker of solar
cells, ARCO Solar, is on the auction
block because the parent company,
which once saw its investment as a
hedge against
energy marke
its money to be
most expertise,
Photovoltaic cells, which make elec-
tricity directly from sunlight, are usu-
ally made of silicon, although manufac-
turers are experimenting with a vari-
ety of materials in different shapes:
some are flat plates, and others are in-
stalled under lenses that magnify the
sun's rays.
Too Costly to Compate
The cells are still about four times
too expensive to compete with ordinary
cosl-powered plants, this country/s
main source of electricity, and still
triple the cost of the most expensive
electricity, the inefficient sources utill-
ties turn to at hours of peak demand.
But in the early years of this decade,
the cells were 16 times too expensive,
and the price is still failing.
If ARCO sells the solar subsidiary it
bought in 1977, it would follow the
Exxon Corporation and the Shell Oil
Company in leaving the business.
Motorola Inc. has also left the field. But
the Amoco Corporation is still a signifi-
cant presence, through its Solarex Cor-
poration subsidiary, which 18 the sec-
ond-largest domestic manufacturer.
Experts say the waning interest of
American companies may mean that if
Continued on Page D20, Column 4
SENT Y:ROGOVIN HUGE&SCHILLER 3- 8-89 5:49PM
2024678485-
2027372424:# 4
Companies Abandon Solar Energy
Continued From Page I
Production Rises as Costs Drop
the photovoltaic industry becomes a
giant, it will be dominated by Japan,
which already has a lead in production
World shipments of solar cells,
Cost of a solar celi per peak
of low-technology solar cells. West Ger-
in megawatts. One megawatt
watt of electricity produced.
many is also a contender. Potential
will light 10,000 100-watt bulbs.
bidders for ARCO Solar include Japa-
nese and German companies.
JAPAN
The problem, many in the field say,
12
$12
is that big corporations in this coun.
try do not see a sure enough prospect
of substantial returns on their invest-
9 UNITED STATES
9
ment to spend years on further devel-
opment of solar power. They would
rather put the money in their core
6
6
business of oil and gas.
EUROPE
People in the industry believe that
sometime in the next decade solar
3
3
cells will provide cheaper electricity
than some generators that consume
0
REST OF WORLD
oil or gas. It could then become a mul-
0
tibillion-dollar industry.
'85
'86
'87
'88
'82
'84
'86
'88
'Not a Prudent Thing'
The problem is that no one knows
how soon that will occur. Making
Source: Solar Energy industries Association
business plans that depend on accu-
rately predicting the timing is "prob-
The New York Times/Murch ? 1980
ably not a prudent thing to do." said
Caldwell,
was
of
RCO
air-conditioning
late
last
year,
when
try to assemble investors to make
the
current
low
a bid for it.
proposed by President
Rea-
American
Some are troubled by the possible
gan. In 1981 the Government spent
creasingly see the solar cells entering
sale. "It will shake the Department of
$155 million a year.
the marketplace.
Energy's program to its roots if this
Last year, for the first time, the
First were the tiny uses, like pocket
sale is concluded to a foreign coun-
Governments of West Germany and
calculators, but for several years
try." said Kenneth B. Zweibel, who
Japan spent more on research and
campers have been equipping their
manages the Federal research con.
development than Washington did,
recreational vehicles with panels of
tract with ARCO Solar.
according to the Solar Energy Indus-
cells to handle larger burdens, like
Mr. Zweibel said that ARCO Solar
tries Association. a trade group.
charging the batteries that run small
was developing a material called cop-
First Goal Is in Sight
refrigerators, television sets and fluo.
per indium diselenide, which he calls
rescent lights.
'the best hope of photovoltaics in the
But the cuts are coming at a time
More recently, discount stores have
United States in the next three to five
when experts see solar technology
begun selling garden walkway lights
years." ARCO. he said, "has the
close to its first major goal: produc-
that need no wiring: cells built into
global leadership in this technology."
ing cells inexpensive enough to com-
the top charge a battery during the
A spokesman for the company, Ste.
pete with the most expensive power
day. Several hundred Oldsmobiles
phen K. Lowe, said, "ARCO's hope is
source used by electric utilities, the
are equipped with solar cells that
that we'll find a buyer that will con-
turbines powered by natural gas or
keep the battery charged when the
tinue ARCO's world-class develop-
light fuel oil. Utilities turn to these
engine is not running. countering the
ment of this technology."
high-cost sources on hot. sunny after-
drain from digital clocks and on-
The world market for solar cells is
noons when all the cheaper sources of
board computers.
now only about $125 million & year, of
power. like coal and hydroelectricity,
which ARCO has about $30 million,
have already been tapped.
More Common in Third World
but if the cost of solar cells continues
The ability to provide that electrici-
to fall - or if oil and natural gas rise
ty. called "peaking power," at a com-
petitive cost could come in some ap.
in price the technology will have
plications in as little as two to three
real economic importance in a few
years, utility experts agree.
years, said Edgar DeMeo, manager
Emphasis on Short-Term Profits
The growing field
may come to be
dominated by the
Japanese.
SENT ROGOVIN HUGE&SCHILLER ; 3- 8-89 : 5:50PM :
2024678485-
2027372424:# 5
More Common in Third World
Around the United States, solar
cells are widely used to power moun-
taintop communications relay sta
tions, foghorns and other naviga-
tional aids. They are far more com
mon in the third world. however
Emphasis on Short-Term Profits
where the cells power irrigation
"I think we're nearly there." said
The growing field
pumps and charge the batteries that
Philip K. Verleger Jr., an energy
run television sets and radios where
economist at Charles River Associ-
there is no electricity, and power re-
ates. He added that costs had come
may come to be
frigerators for remote health clinics.
down by 90 percent since the tech-
While many of these uses seem like
nology was first developed for the
dominated by the
gimmicks or tiny niche markets, they
space program.
provide an increasing demand. But
But American corporations are
Japanese.
officials at ARCO said that the mar+
"too tied up in short-term profits" to
ket was not growing fast enough. The
stick with the investments, he said,
chairman. Lodwrick M. Cook, said in
and a publicly held company that in-
an interview last month that after 10
of the solar power program at the
vested heavily in solar technology
Electric Power Research Institute, a
years of operating the subsidiary, he
would probably become the target of
was "losing patience" with solar,
utility-sponsored nonprofit organiza-
a corporate raider, who would argue
tion in Palo Alto, Calif., that monitors
power and ready to sell the company;
that shareholders' money could get
which is in Camarillo, Galif., and has
quicker profits elsewhere.
the Industry and sponsors some work
of its own.
350 employees.
"It's the VCR syndrome," said
"The industry isn't yet really tak-
ARCO Solar's Prospects
Scott Sklar of the Solar Industries As.
ing off," he said, "but I think it will,
sociation, a trade group in Washing-
The sale price would be in that
The
the
cost per kilowatt-hour - the amount
added that this investment dwarled
Government Cutbacks Proposed
of electricity needed to light 10 100-
the $2 million the company had re-
"The closer we get, we ought to
watt bulbs for an hour.
celved from the Government. ARCO
have more courage, more willingness
"Right now, this technology's at
Solar will get an additional $600,000 in
to remain in the market," said Repre-
about 25 cents a kilowatt-hour,' he
Federal financing this year.
sentative Vic Fazio. a California
said. "I think it will be driven down in
ARCO's exit, some industry watch-
Democrat who is a leading Congres-
the near term to 12 to 15 cents," about
ers believe, would provide a quick
sional backer of solar power. "But
what utilities spend to get electricity
avenue for advancement by the Ger-
we're getting an opposite reaction."
from their least efficient plants when
mans or the Japanese. Two possible
Enthusiasm also seems to be wan-
fuel prices are high.
bidders, some say, are Siemens A.G.,
ing in the Bush Administration, which
If the cells are used for peaking
the West German electrical compa-
has proposed a 30 percent cut in re-
power, storage is not a problem. since
ny, and Showa Shell Sekiyu, a Japa-
search and development funds from
most utilities' peak loads come from
nese oil company affiliated with
Royal Dutch/Shell. Both concerns op-
erate joint ventures with ARCO Solar
to market ARCO's products.
But Mr. Annan of the Energy De-
partment and others are not certain
that foreign ownership would repre-
sent a serious blow. Mr. Caldwell, the
former president of ARCO Solar,
said: "The United States has the big.
gest concentration of technical talent,
and the biggest market is the U.S. As
long as those are here, it's not some-
thing that somebody's going to steal
away and run and hide with."
Mr. Caldwell said he recognized
that in some cases, "people are
aghast" that ARCO wants to sell the
subsidiary. Recalling the days of the
energy crisis. when oil companies
every move was studied for sinister
overtones. he added, "They are the
same people who were aghast that
Big Oil were the only people funding
photovoitaics for a while."
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date:
May 9,1989
FOR:
Nancy Maloley
FROM:
WILLIAM L. ROPER
Action
Draft Response
FYI
Let's Talk
COMMENTS:
OK nam
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date:
5/9
TO:
BILL ROPER
FROM: JOHN S. GARDNER
Special Assistant to the President
and Assistant Staff Secretary
The attached Presidential message
came in yesterday afternoon. If
approved, it would be read by
Undersecretary Tuck at noon
today. Could we please have OPD
comments/clearance as soon as
possible?
Thanks.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 8, 1989
As a President deeply concerned with reducing our nation's
dependence on imported oil, I believe developing an inte-
grated and balanced national energy strategy is essential to
America's economic growth and energy security. As long as
the highest safety standards are maintained, nuclear power
must be included among our energy resources. Our increasing
dependence on unstable supplies of imported oil underscores
the vital role nuclear power must play in the Nation's energy
future.
America gave birth to nuclear technology, and as we approach
the 21st century, this Nation can lead the world into a new
era of safe, reliable, economical, and environmentally clean
nuclear power. Today, more than 100 nuclear power plants
supply almost 20 percent of the Nation's electricity. In
regions such as New England and New York, nuclear power
spares consumers from becoming overly dependent on oil-fired
electrical generation. Through the efforts of our commercial
nuclear power industry, our national energy security is
strengthened and environmentally harmful emissions are
reduced.
In order to enhance the contribution that safe nuclear power
can make to solving our national energy needs, we must pro-
ceed with reform of the lengthy and cumbersome process
through which nuclear power plants are licensed. The Nuclear
Regulatory Commission is to be commended for the important
progress it has made recently on this issue. I have asked
the Secretary of Energy to work with the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission and the Congress to ensure that any additional
reforms are made expeditiously.
As the theme of your conference so poignantly reminds us,
"The Future is Now." Now is the time to implement reforms
for the nuclear industry. Now is the time to put on line the
safe and viable nuclear power plants that are licensed and
ready to operate. And now is the time for America's nuclear
2
industry to take its rightful place in helping to meet the
Nation's energy needs for the next decade and the next
century.
You have my best wishes for an enjoyable and productive
conference. God bless you.
THE WHITE house
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR NANCY A. MALOLEY
FROM:
PAUL D. ROELLIG
SUBJECT:
Cold Fusion
For the last few days I have been running down leads
relating to the cold fusion announcement by scientists at the
University of Utah. Luckily, my father is a nuclear physicist
and through his introductions I have been able to discuss the
latest developments with the principal players in this very
complex and fast moving arena. According to these sources, in
the next two weeks we will witness one announcement after another
of major scientific breakthroughs which may eventually lead to a
revolution in the field of energy.
ACTION FORCING THE ISSUE: On March 23, scientists working at the
University of Utah made an unprecedented claim to have achieved a
sustained hydrogen fusion reaction, thereby harnessing in the
laboratory the fusion power of the hydrogen bomb. The promise of
what such a potential discovery could yield instantly propelled
the claim to national headlines, including story one of the CBS
evening news.
BACKGROUND: Until recently, physicists have believed the only
way to a practical fusion power plant is to recreate the high
pressures and temperatures that exist in the interior of the sun
-- and for a fraction of a second, in an exploding hydrogen bomb.
The basic elements of the Utah experiment -- run at ordinary
temperatures rather than in the millions of degrees previously
thought necessary -- are two metal electrodes, platinum and
palladium, separated by a region containing heavy water. A
current is then passed through the water. In addition to the
heat generated by the current, heat attributed to the generation
of fusion reactions is claimed to have been observed in such
quantity as to produce net power. Also, radiation has been
observed. The two highly respected scientists operating the
experiment claim that with no more equipment than might be used
in a freshman chemistry class, they had triggered a small fusion
reaction in a test tube that continued for more than 100 hours.
The early reaction within the scientific community was one of
incredulity. The amount of energy observed from the reaction was
much higher than could be expected even if fusion was taking
place.
EXPECTED DEVELOPMENTS: In the last 24 hours, the concept of cold
fusion has been accepted by a very select and influential group
of physicists. A number of research centers -- Brookhaven,
Yale, U.C.L.A., Princeton -- have replicated the Utah experiment
and have achieved cold fusion. The scientists associated with
these efforts are no longer racing to prove or disprove the cold
fusion theory, but rather, are frantically trying to discover
where the excess energy is coming from in cold fusion reactions.
One theory, which purports that the lithium is actually fusing
with the deuterium, is being tested with results due within two
to three days. If this theory proves to be fact, the world may
enjoy a new source of energy within just a few years.