[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF CLEAN AIR CHAMPIONS

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                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2008

  Mrs. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize many of 
Sacramento's outstanding individuals and businesses as members of the 
Sacramento community gather at the 32nd Annual Clean Air Awards 
Luncheon hosted by Breathe California of Sacramento Emigrant Trails. 
The men and women being honored this afternoon are dedicated to the 
success of Sacramento and have worked tirelessly to advance the 
region's environmental conditions. I ask all my colleagues to join me 
in honoring these fine Sacramentans.
  Gary Federico and the Federico Beauty Institute will be presented 
with the ``Business Award.'' Gary has partnered with Sacramento 
Municipal Utility District to implement a recycling program, changed 
his light bulbs to energy efficient compact fluorescent lights, 
established a photovoltaic carport system, and installed occupancy 
sensors to save energy. These changes will reduce carbon dioxide 
emissions by 165,643 pounds, which is equivalent to annually removing 
14 cars from the road. Gary and the Federico Beauty Institute are an 
example of how even individuals and small businesses can truly make a 
difference.
  Tony Powers is receiving the Clean Air ``Individual Award,'' for his 
tireless dedication to air quality by focusing on bicycle-friendly 
alternatives to driving. Tony has worked with the City of Folsom to 
build a new Lake Natoma Crossing and has inspired people to trade in 
their cars for bicycles. Tony has made bicycling easier and safer for 
the Sacramento community. Due to his efforts, Sacramento is ranked 
among the top 10 cities in the Nation for bicycle commuting.
  The Natomas Unified School District is receiving the Clean Air 
``Government Award'' for its dedication to air quality and energy-
saving techniques. These techniques include solar panel use, conversion 
of school buses to biodiesel, synthetic turf playing fields and 
promoting walking and bicycling to school with the Safe Routes to 
School program. This program reduces traffic and encourages safe 
driving. The Natomas Unified School District has also been designated 
as the State's only ``Climate Action Leader'' due to their 
participation in voluntary greenhouse gas emissions reporting programs.
  The Clean Air ``Regional Award'' will be presented to the Million 
Mile May Program. This program challenges individuals in the Sacramento 
Region to not only bike to work, but also to use their bicycles for 
their errands and leisure time as well. So far this year, over 2,500 
individuals have pledged to ride over 600,000 miles and this number 
continues to rise. In 2007, the Million Mile May Program nearly reached 
its 1 million mile goal and saved nearly 19,000 gallons of gasoline. I 
would like to commend this program for its dedication to promoting 
clean air and exercise.
  9onF is being awarded the Clean Air ``Smart Growth Award'' for their 
work in developing more eco-friendly homes in the Sacramento area. 
These homes feature state-of-the art energy performance combined with 
environmental responsibility. They come equipped with geothermal 
heating and cooling systems, the SMUD ``Solar Smart'' Program and they 
are LEED-for-Homes certified. This project improves air quality in 
building design and construction materials as well as in its location. 
9onF is built within walking distances of restaurants, stores, 
entertainment venues, and employment bases.
  Keelan Shaw-Connelly is receiving the Clean Air ``Youth Leadership 
Award'' for her involvement in air quality issues. Keelan joined the 
Breathe California Youth Advisory Board as a freshman in high school 
and has done a wonderful job giving her peers a voice in all of the 
organization's outreach activities. Now as a Sacramento Country Day 
School junior, Keelan has become a role model for others. Active in her 
community, Keelan organized a tree planting day at Arcade Middle 
School, bringing together student volunteers from Muslim, Jewish and 
Christian faiths.
  Madam Speaker, as we celebrate the Clean Air Champions, I am honored 
to recognize these individuals and businesses for their contributions 
to the environment and to the Sacramento region. On behalf of the 
people of Sacramento and the Fifth Congressional District of 
California, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring their 
unwavering commitment to our region.

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