Camp Urges Capitol To Utilize Solar Energy

Press Release

With the Capitol looking to go green, U.S. Rep. Dave Camp has urged Daniel Beard, the House Chief Administrative Officer, to closely examine the benefits of solar energy in providing electric power.

"Congress can help make the U.S. Capitol a user of clean, efficient energy that will serve as an example for other workplaces across the country to follow," Camp wrote in a letter to Beard. "To meet the high demand for cooling and heating, solar is an excellent alternative energy source. Solar energy produces no greenhouse gases and no air pollution."

With $3.27 billion having been allocated to the "Green the Capitol Initiative", Camp is optimistic that the Capitol complex will purchase solar technology to provide the bulk of energy demand on the Hill. A preliminary report on the environmental impact of running the day to day operations at the Capitol complex suggest that two-thirds of the energy used in the House office buildings is attributable to cooling and heating alone.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, over the 40-50 year life of a solar electric system, every kilowatt of solar electric power reduces 217,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, 1500 pounds of sulfur dioxide, and 830 pounds of nitrogen oxides emissions as compared to electricity produced by conventional generation.

"Beyond the environmental benefits, the solar industry is producing thousands of new, good paying U.S.," Camp added. "In Michigan, where the solar industry is growing, over 600 new jobs and $500 million in new investments are on the horizon."

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