"While Congressional business prevents me from being with you in person today, I am happy that we can all celebrate the launch of our city's Vote Solar Initiative. I would like to thank the voters of San Francisco, the Board of Supervisors, and especially Supervisor Mark Leno for making all of this possible. By passing a $100 million bond to support solar power initiatives, the voters of San Francisco have chosen to serve as a model for other cities across the nation. Once again San Francisco is setting the standard for the rest of our nation as we become the country's largest single producer of solar power.
The energy crisis last year highlighted the need for alternative sources of energy and I am proud that San Francisco has taken this major step toward developing renewable energy sources. Preserving our resources and preventing pollution must be a priority. We cannot take for granted the beauty of our surroundings, so we must continue to work on environmentally sustainable solutions to protect the environment and our health.
I am proud to co-sponsor H.R. 778 in Congress, which will provide incentives
to introduce new technologies to reduce energy consumption. All of you present
here today are pioneers for the environment who have inspired us and given future
generations a lasting natural heritage."