February 25 – Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Congressman Zach Wamp (R-TN) today introduced legislation to authorize the House of Representatives to carry out a series of demonstration projects that would promote the use of new and innovative technology to reducing energy consumption, promote energy efficiency and trim costs in House operations. The bill authorizes $25 million in fiscal year 2010 for these projects and requires that the Chief Administrative Officer of the House submit a report detailing the projects and its results. 

“I’m hopeful that this legislation will help put the House of Representatives on the path to a smaller environmental footprint,” said Congresswoman Lofgren. “The pilot projects that this legislation authorizes will help the House administrators determine which technologies are best suited to our unique institution. Congress should continue to lead the way to a greener future and this bill is a strong step forward.”

“Alternative sources, like the solid-oxide fuel cell that is being successfully demonstrated in the Tennessee Valley Corridor, should play a key role in the energy efficiency of the Capitol complex,” said Congressman Wamp. “This legislation would make the House of Representatives a model in using cutting-edge technology for clean energy as part of an all-of-the-above approach to leading the world on energy solutions.”