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Dem leaders embrace ‘Greening the Capitol’ report |
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By Kelly McCormack
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Posted: 06/22/07 08:03 PM [ET] |
Democratic leaders yesterday welcomed the “Greening the Capitol” report and vowed to lead by example before introducing comprehensive energy legislation.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called it a “historic day” and thanked Dan Beard, chief administrative officer of the House, for his recommendations.
“Global warming and climate change are formidable issues that the entire world is confronting, and the United States Congress must lead by example,” Pelosi said. “This plan is an essential first step.”
The report listed recommendations to make the House carbon-neutral by the end of the 110th Congress. It also called for a 50 percent reduction of energy consumption in 10 years.
Specifically, the report recommended that the Architect of the Capitol purchase renewable power, that the Capitol Power Plant use natural gas instead of coal and that the leaders purchase carbon offsets from the Chicago Climate Exchange.
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said, “We want to make this 19th-century building into a 21st-century example” and highlighted the report’s recommendation for the Capitol Power Plant.
“We need to have a plant that sets a national example,” Durbin said, mentioning the option of sequestration.
Hoyer commended Beard for quickly outlining a report.
“The notion is almost overwhelming,” Hoyer said, referring to the 91,000 tons of carbon dioxide that were emitted from the House complex in fiscal 2006.
Hoyer also lauded the construction of an E-85 fuel pump on Capitol Hill, saying it “doesn’t make sense” to have biofuel vehicles on the Hill without biofuel.
Said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.): “This complex has 10,000 employees. Should we be a model? The answer is yes.”
Beard noted that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee would be holding a hearing on the Capitol Power Plant, which he said is “outdated” and “needs to be something we can all be proud of.”
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