Dow Corning CEO Testifies on Energy Tax Incentives and the Green Job Economy

MIDLAND, Mich., April 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dr. Stephanie A. Burns , Dow Corning chairman, president and CEO, testified today at a United States House of Representatives hearing on energy tax incentives and the green job economy in Washington, D.C. Burns was invited in recognition of the leadership role Dow Corning has played in the solar energy sector while creating jobs and economic growth.

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To view the text of Burns' testimony, visit: http://www.dowcorning.com/content/news/Burns_Testimony__April_14_2010.pdf

The hearing was held by the Committee of Ways and Means, the chief tax-writing committee of the U.S. government. The focus was on examining the effectiveness of current energy tax policy and identifying additional steps to ensure continued job growth.

"It was an honor to take part in this dialogue on this critical topic," said Burns. "The U.S. has an opportunity to create thousands of manufacturing jobs through investment in advanced green energy projects.

"Dow Corning and our joint venture Hemlock Semiconductor Group develop and manufacture materials that power the solar industry. Advanced energy tax credits introduced in 2009 have supported Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor's creation of nearly 2000 jobs related to solar energy manufacturing."  

Dow Corning's silicon-based materials are used in solar cell manufacturing, solar module assembly and installation. In the past five years, Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor  , have announced investments of more than $5 billion to research and develop as well as to expand production of materials critical to the solar industry.

To learn more about Dow Corning's efforts to promote a comprehensive energy policy that will support the growth and success of a vibrant American solar energy industry, visit www.dowcorning.com/solarpolicy.

About Dow Corning

Dow Corning (dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company's Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.

About Hemlock Semiconductor Group

The Hemlock Semiconductor Group (hscpoly.com) – Hemlock Semiconductor – is comprised of two joint ventures: Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation and Hemlock Semiconductor, L.L.C. The companies are joint ventures of Dow Corning Corporation, Shin-Etsu Handotai and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation. Hemlock Semiconductor is a leading provider of polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices and solar cells and modules. Hemlock Semiconductor began its Michigan operations in 1961 and broke ground at its Tennessee location in 2009.

HSC and HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR are trademarks of Dow Corning Corporation.

SOURCE Dow Corning