[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 912 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 912

Recognizing the Aquarium of the Pacific for winning the Super Nova Star 
of Energy and Efficiency Award and for providing national leadership in 
               marine education, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           November 18, 2009

     Ms. Richardson (for herself, Mr. Rohrabacher, Mr. Thompson of 
California, and Mr. Calvert) submitted the following resolution; which 
           was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the Aquarium of the Pacific for winning the Super Nova Star 
of Energy and Efficiency Award and for providing national leadership in 
               marine education, and for other purposes.

Whereas, on September 17, 2009, the Aquarium of the Pacific, located in Long 
        Beach, California, was awarded the prestigious Super Nova Star of Energy 
        Efficiency Award by the Alliance to Save Energy;
Whereas the Alliance to Save Energy is a nonprofit coalition of business, 
        government, environmental, and consumer leaders that was founded in 1977 
        that supports energy efficiency and advocates for energy-efficient 
        policies that minimize costs to society and individual consumers, and 
        that lessen greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on the global 
        climate;
Whereas each year the Alliance to Save Energy evaluates thousands of companies, 
        learning institutions, and State and local government agencies and 
        awards the Super Nova Star of Energy Efficiency to the organization that 
        is deemed to be the most energy-efficient organization in the Nation 
        with annual revenues under $50,000,000;
Whereas in winning the Super Nova Star Award, the Aquarium of the Pacific became 
        the first nongovernmental and noncorporate organization to be so 
        honored;
Whereas in selecting the Aquarium of the Pacific for the award, the Alliance to 
        Save Energy commended the Aquarium for becoming the first aquarium, 
        museum, or zoological park in the country to certify its greenhouse gas 
        emissions with a third party, verifying that the Aquarium's energy 
        consumption levels have not risen in the past eight years despite 
        significant increases in the number of visitors;
Whereas in 2008, the Aquarium of the Pacific placed in service Long Beach's 
        first LEED platinum-certified building, a pioneering environmental 
        classroom that uses solar power, a green roof, a rainwater capture 
        system, and a highly efficient pool pump, and other energy and water 
        efficiencies;
Whereas the Aquarium has committed to achieving LEED platinum or gold 
        certification for all future projects and has set an excellent example 
        for energy efficiency that other businesses and institutions can follow;
Whereas the Aquarium of the Pacific is the fourth most attended aquarium in the 
        Nation, and its mission is to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and 
        stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems;
Whereas the Aquarium offers numerous educational programs, cultural festivals, 
        classes and courses, offsite field trips, and renowned guest speakers; 
        and
Whereas such programs and initiatives educate and inspire 1,500,000 visitors 
        annually and deepen their understanding and appreciation for the Pacific 
        Ocean's ecosystems while furthering the national goal of maximizing 
        energy efficiency: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) congratulates the Aquarium of the Pacific for receiving 
        the prestigious Super Nova Star of Energy Efficiency Award;
            (2) affirms the important role that aquariums accredited by 
        the Association of Zoos and Aquariums play in broadening public 
        understanding of the oceans, marine life, and complex aquatic 
        ecosystems;
            (3) recognizes and applauds the Aquarium of the Pacific as 
        a pioneer of marine education and energy efficiency; and
            (4) encourages other museums, aquariums, and similar 
        institutions to follow the Aquarium of the Pacific's example of 
        how to prioritize and achieve energy efficiency.
                                 <all>