[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 97 (Friday, June 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     AMERICAN COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS CLIMATE COMMITMENT

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                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2007

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight some 
encouraging and important activity at America's colleges and 
universities. This morning I attended a kick-off event celebrating the 
decision by 284 universities and colleges from across the Nation to 
sign the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment.
  Let me say that I am pleased to see that this group is led by 
President Michael Crow of Arizona State University, which is in my 
hometown of Tempe. ASU and the other 283 colleges and universities have 
made a commitment to move their respective campuses toward meeting a 
long-term goal of climate neutrality.
  I applaud their commitment to lead the country by example. 
Sustainable energy is an issue that affects our environment, our 
economy and our national security, and we cannot leave this problem for 
future generations of Americans to solve.
  These universities and colleges are taking proactive steps to solve 
the problem of global warming. They are implementing solutions on 
campus, educating students and future generations, and generating the 
research for how we can solve the growing climate change crisis.
  By making this climate commitment, these colleges and universities 
have made a bold declaration that America's higher education 
institutions are ready and able to take on the challenge of global 
warming and are committed to concrete action.
  I am particularly proud of the steps ASU has taken to address climate 
change. ASU has already established the Global Institute of 
Sustainability and the School of Sustainability. This is a significant 
accomplishment of which the entire State of Arizona is proud.
  I congratulate these universities for their leadership and vision and 
wish them success in this endeavor.

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