[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 21 (Monday, February 5, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1577-S1578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. WARNER:
  S. 489. A bill to improve efficiency in the Federal Government 
through the use of green buildings, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President. I rise to introduce the Green Buildings 
Act of 2007. This bill is intended to continue the hard work of our 
former colleague

[[Page S1578]]

from Vermont, Senator Jim Jeffords, and would place an emphasis on 
energy efficient and healthy building environments.
  In the opening weeks of this 110th Congress we have seen a 
significant focus on the future energy security and environmental 
health of our Nation and indeed the world. Much attention has been paid 
to the issue of global climate change and it is my firm belief that not 
only are the energy and environmental challenges that we face today 
varied, but that our solutions must be multi-faceted. In order to meet 
the rising demands of a growing world population and its expanding 
economies, we need to address the way we create energy, conserve 
energy, and preserve the environment.
  Green Buildings are structures that are designed and built with 
energy-efficient and renewable materials to conserve energy and 
environmental resources. These buildings last longer, use less energy, 
and promote a healthier environment for those who may work or live in 
them. Green buildings have reduced electricity, heating, and cooling 
requirements; use less water; and may even use renewable sources of 
water and electricity. Recent volatility in energy costs and 
constraints on the electricity grid in much of the U.S. have led 
developers to explore the potential economic benefits of these 
efficient buildings as well. It is my belief that green buildings will 
become a significant contributor to America's energy conservation 
efforts and that is why I am introducing this bill today.
  The proposal I offer today is one small step in the right direction 
and draws upon a bill approved by the Environment and Public Works 
Committee in 2006. The federal government is already setting an example 
in energy efficiency under the leadership of the White House and 
Department of Energy. This bill will take the next step and create an 
office within the General Services Administration (GSA) to oversee 
green building initiatives within the Federal Government and provide 
support for information to State and local governments as well as the 
private sector. With almost 9,000 buildings and 340 million square feet 
of space, the GSA has the experience and expertise to manage this 
effort for the Federal Government. The Office of Green Buildings at the 
GSA will be advised by a Green Buildings Council to be comprised of 
Federal, State, local, and private sector participants to establish 
guidelines and create resources for public and private builders across 
the country. It is my hope that the use of green buildings in the 
Federal real estate portfolio will contribute to increased health of 
the public, productivity of work, and conservation of energy.
  While some portions of the private sector have caught on to the many 
benefits of green or ``sustainable design,'' this bill's establishment 
of grants through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) to assist 
school systems in their school construction efforts will bring these 
benefits to the places our children spend so much of their time and the 
facilities that consume a significant amount of energy in our 
communities. In addition to grants to school systems, the bill would 
create an indoor air quality program for Federal buildings, encourage 
incentives for Federal agencies, and authorize research and 
demonstration projects in each of the four climatic regions of the 
United States. The bill is modest in scope, authorizing $50 million 
over 5 years to begin this most important effort in the Federal 
Government.
  I know many of you share in my desire to advance our Nation's 
conservation agenda. Indeed, many have supported the efforts of our 
recently retired colleague from Vermont and have your own ideas. I look 
forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and on the 
Environment and Public Works Committee as we move this proposal 
forward. Green Buildings will be a significant part of our country's 
energy and environmental future and this bill will help us in that 
effort.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Ms. STABENOW (for herself and Mr. Levin):
  S. 490. A bill to provide for the return of the Fresnel Lens to the 
lantern room atop Presque Isle Light Station Lighthouse, Michigan, and 
for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation.
  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Lester 
Nichols Presque Isle Light Station Act of 2007.
  The Presque Isle Light Station Act requires the return of the 
historic third order Fresnel lens to the lighthouse in Presque Isle, 
MI. The lens was removed four years ago for restoration work, but now 
it is time to replace it and preserve the historic integrity of the 
beautiful Presque Isle lighthouse.
  Michigan has more lighthouses than any other State. Not only are 
these historic structures symbolic of our maritime heritage, they are 
the heart of Michigan's coastal communities. Lighthouses are a key part 
of the tourist economy of many small Michigan towns, and the historic 
character of our lighthouses brings tourists from all over the country. 
So it is imperative that we protect, restore, and preserve the Presque 
Isle lighthouse and all of Michigan's 120 lighthouses.
  I am pleased to introduce this legislation with Senator Levin. In the 
House of Representatives, Congressman Stupak is the sponsor of a 
companion bill. So the Michigan delegation is united in our resolve to 
restore the Fresnel lens to the Presque Isle lighthouse for the 
enjoyment and education of future generations.
  Finally, I want to say a word about the man for whom we have named 
this bill: Lester Nichols. Without Les Nichols' dedication we would 
never have been able to restore Presque Isle's Fresnel lens. Last fall, 
Les lost his courageous battle against cancer. He was a pillar of his 
community. He was passionate about the Presque Isle lighthouse and he 
will be truly missed. Naming this bill for him is the least we can do 
to show our gratitude for all of his work. And I hope that we will soon 
be able to put the Fresnel lens back in the lighthouse and give Les the 
victory that he so wanted to see.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

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