[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

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                               speech of

                          HON. JERRY McNERNEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 12, 2007

  Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in proud support of H.R. 798, which 
will instruct the General Services Administration to install 
photovoltaic panels on the roof of the Department of Energy in 
Washington D.C.
  As a country, our energy needs continue to grow, and yet we are still 
heavily dependent on foreign sources of oil. The Federal Government is 
the country's single largest energy consumer and is in a unique 
position to demonstrate a commitment to taking on the challenge of 
global warming through the use of sustainable energy technology.
  The installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the Energy 
Department headquarters in Washington D.C. is a first--and important--
step in that direction. Doing so will help demonstrate the power and 
promise of solar energy.
  It is critical that we continue to push forward on this front and 
expand the menu of renewable energy solutions available for use. I have 
recently formed the Bipartisan Freshman Caucus on Energy and Climate 
and am committed to working with members on both sides of the aisle to 
move forward with more common-sense solutions like photovoltaic panels. 
I urge my colleagues to do the same.




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