Pelosi on Energy Efficient Lighting: We Are Flipping the Switch on a Greener Future for Congress and the Nation
Washington, D.C. - In advance of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, and Congressman Peter Welch discussed the "Green the Capitol" initiative and unveiled a new energy efficient LED lighting system in the Rayburn Cafeteria this morning. In 2007, Speaker Pelosi established the "Green the Capitol" program to make the U.S. House of Representatives a national leader in energy efficiency and conservation. Below are the Speaker's remarks:
"Good morning. This is a special day indeed for us as we gather here on the floor of the House in a little while--Chairman Obey will bring to the floor legislation to honor Gaylord Nelson for establishing Earth Day in 1970. Here today, we are gathered to celebrate ‘My Green Office' initiative, taking a series of steps to make the individual offices in the Capitol complex green, saving both energy and money.
"I am pleased to be joined by leaders on the greening of the offices initiative, Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who is chair of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee and many other capacities has been a leader on this. But her leadership on Appropriations has been essential to its success. Congressman Peter Welch, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. Peter Welch, who on the Energy and Commerce Committee has been a champion on all issues that relate to saving energy as a national security issue, as a jobs issue, and as an issue of protecting this beautiful planet that God has given us. Emanuel Cleaver, again respecting the stewardship that God has given us of this planet on the select committee on energy security and climate change--has been a leader. We are here with Stephen Ayers, the Acting Architect of the Capitol, who has facilitated so many of these initiatives, and Bob Lane, the ‘Green the Capitol' initiative's leader.
"Forty years ago, a group of activists, pioneers, and committed citizens marked the first Earth Day--a time to recommit ourselves to protecting the planet, preserving our natural resources, and building a brighter future. As I mentioned, his leadership will be acknowledged on the floor today--Gaylord Nelson's leadership in establishing that.
"Three years ago, House Democrats launched our ‘Green the Capitol' initiative, ensuring that our nation's leaders remain responsible stewards of our environment. Today, in that same tradition, we gather to renew that pledge, taking one step forward in our effort to make this Capitol of the United States, this beacon of freedom of liberty, a shining example of sustainability.
"By making the Rayburn cafeteria building the first government facility to combine the energy efficient LED lighting with advanced building controls, total energy savings will reach 80 percent. In making this change, we are flipping the switch on a greener future for Congress and setting the standard for sustainable living nationwide.
"Under the ‘Green the Capitol' initiative, which Bob Lane heads, the House has reduced its carbon footprint by 74 percent, produced wind energy to meet electricity needs, converted our Capitol power plant from coal to clean natural gas. Today, the Chief Administrative Office, in partnership with the Architect of the Capitol released ‘Going Green and Saving Energy'--a first of its kind assessment of all greening efforts currently underway in the House. Thank you so much, Mr. Ayers and Mr. Lane and Mr. Beard.
"Building on the ‘Green the Capitol' efforts, the Congressional Water Caucus is launching an effort to dramatically reduce the Capitol's water footprint. We look forward to hearing about their progress. Since 2007, leaders have honored the legacy of Earth Day by passing the Recovery Act, making historic investments in a clean energy economy, that creates good-paying jobs for the 21st century and reduces our dependence on foreign oil -- a very important national security issue, raising fuel efficiency standards for the first time in more than three decades, making an unprecedented commitment to American biofuels, which keep gas prices lower for American drivers.
"In the House, we've passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act to create 1.7 million jobs, reduce the dangerous dependence on foreign oil, once again, and cut the pollution that causes global warming. We look forward to working with the Senate soon to complete this legislation and send a final bill to the President's desk.
"Our economic recovery and long-term prosperity depend on making the United States first, number one in clean energy. For our economy and our workers and our national security, America must be first. With the renewed commitment to clean energy economy and to restoring American leadership on the environment, we will be first in investments and produce good-paying jobs for our workers and protect our planet.
"Through the ‘Green the Capitol' initiative, we are taking another step forward on the flagship issue of this Congress -- clean energy and combating climate change. Forty years after celebrating the first Earth Day, we will pledge to continue our efforts on behalf of the planet, building on our achievements, and leaving a legacy of sustainability to future generations. It is, as with all that we do here, first and foremost about our children and our grandchildren and our responsibility to them.
"Now, we're going to hear from some leaders on this issue in the Congress. Again, I want to acknowledge her tremendous leadership, enthusiasm as a mother of young children, one who has a really vested interest in the future -- Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz."