Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, today announced the inclusion of funding for a program to produce medical isotopes from accelerators at Idaho State University and the expansion of the City of Boise’s geothermal system to Boise State University as part of legislation funding the Department of Energy. The legislation was approved today in the House of Representatives by a vote of 320-97.

Among its many provisions, the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill includes $1.5 million in funding for the development of a medical isotope production facility at the Idaho Accelerator Center at Idaho State University. The facility will help meet our nation’s demand for medical isotopes and greatly increase the nuclear research and education capabilities of Idaho State University in an area of immense importance – nuclear medicine.

“Idaho State University and its researchers are building a tremendous capability to produce medical isotopes at the Idaho Accelerator Center,” said Simpson. “As foreign supplies of medical isotopes become less reliable, ISU is moving to fill a demand that will go on for decades to come and make Pocatello a national center for the production of this vital medical technology. There is a compelling national need for medical isotopes and a clear taxpayer interest in ensuring the growth of domestic supplies. I commend ISU for their tremendous efforts in this area.”

The bill also includes $1 million in funding for the City of Boise’s Geothermal Expansion Project to Boise State University. The Project is an ongoing effort to extend the existing geothermal system to facilities at Boise State University and encourage development of non-university areas along Capitol Boulevard. Boise State University is already making improvements to existing buildings that would allow them, and future buildings, to utilize geothermal heat.

“In an era of tightening energy supplies and concerns about climate change, I commend the City of Boise and Boise State University for their leadership in expanding this renewable, non-emitting source of heat and further diversifying Idaho’s energy supply,” said Simpson. “This is a good project and I am proud to support it.”

The Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill now awaits action in the Senate.