Continues to call on all Congressional offices to become Carbon Neutral

June 21, 2007

Today, Speaker Pelosi announced the completion of the final “Green the Capitol” Report. The plan will call for reducing the overall energy consumption and decreasing the CO2 emitted by House operations and buildings. Also announced is a plan for the House to purchase carbon offsets (such as solar or wind based power) to help achieve carbon neutrality. In addition to purchasing carbon offsets, the plan calls for replacing the coal power source with cleaner natural gas at the Capitol Power Plant.

“I am very excited about Speaker Pelosi’s “Green the Capitol” Initiative. Congress must set the example in reducing energy usage and promoting clean energy sources and this plan will achieve that goal,” said Perlmutter.

"Last month I unveiled my “Green Office Initiative” which included my office becoming carbon neutral. Also, my district office is located in a LEED-EB (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design-Existing Building ) registered building with photovoltaic panels being placed on the roof this September. I believe I am the only Member of Congress who has an office in a LEED registered building” said Perlmutter. “I urge all members of Congress to have their offices become carbon neutral. I’ve already received calls from offices wanting to know how to do it. My staff and I are happy to help any Member of Congress make their offices carbon neutral.”

Congressman Perlmutter’s “Green Office Initiative” is a program combining public policy, the research community and local business to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Congressman Perlmutter personally purchased $830 of Colorado wind based renewable energy credits to offset the CO2 produced in running the day-to-day activities of a Congressional Office including air travel, daily commuting and office energy requirements. Additionally, Congressman Perlmutter is a co-sponsor of Rep. Peter Welch’s Carbon Neutrality Act of 2007, which would allow Congressional offices the option to use their budgets to purchase carbon offsets or renewable energy credits. Rep. Welch’s office was the first to become carbon neutral.

Welch said today, “The time for addressing global warming is now. Speaker Pelosi, the congressional leadership, and Mr. Perlmutter have demonstrated the strong commitment to addressing global warming that we so desperately need from our nation’s leaders. While the challenges of global warming must be addressed through comprehensive legislation, we also have the opportunity to take practical, immediate actions as a first step and to serve as a vital example.”