Sanders shows off National Guard solar power to EPA administrator

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson visited a Vermont National Guard solar power installation Thursday.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) accompanied Jackson on the tour, touting the energy-efficient base as a model for others around the country. 

"At a time when the U.S. Defense Department is the largest consumer of energy in the world, the Vermont National Guard is a model for what other military institutions can be doing," Sanders said. "Our National Guard is a model for the military and for businesses, as well, that want to invest in energy efficiency and sustainable energy to save money and cut greenhouse gas emissions."

The Vermont National Guard solar power installation is one of the largest solar projects at any National Guard base in the United States.

"This solar installation project is a great example of what can happen at military facilities, where we can foster healthier environments for the people on our bases, and drive innovation that is critical to our economic and environmental future," Jackson said. "Some of our most interesting and innovative environmental ideas are taking hold on bases and through EPA's work with the military.”

Sanders applauded Jackson's partnership with military branches to make bases more sustainable.

“The EPA is proud of our active collaboration with the various branches, and our efforts to protect health and the environment in the places where our soldiers and their families live and work," Jackson said.

Sanders is chairman of the Senate Green Jobs subcommittee, which has held hearing on converting military bases to green energy use.

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