[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 149 (Thursday, September 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE BUYER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2008

  Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today, I introduced the Department of 
Veterans Affairs Energy Sustainability Act of 2008, to establish within 
the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, a strategic plan for energy 
sustainability and an Office of Energy Management. As our country looks 
to a new energy future, I believe it is vitally important to encourage 
smart energy use and take steps to become more aware of how we spend 
our money for our energy. The office would be under the direction of a 
Deputy Assistant Secretary, who would report to the Assistant Secretary 
for Management. The bill would also create an Energy Advisory Committee 
consisting of VA officials and private sector experts on energy 
management. Disabled veterans would also receive increased specially 
adaptive housing and auto grants for energy efficient systems and 
vehicles.
  The Office of Energy Management, with the advice and recommendations 
of the Energy Advisory Committee, would be responsible for helping VA 
meet a number of specific goals such as compliance with Presidential 
Order 13423, VA Directive 0055, and formulating long term, sustainable 
energy plans for VA. The office would also establish a database to 
track VA's energy and water consumption. The bill would authorize the 
office to directly utilize the expertise of national laboratories, such 
as those at Lawrence Livermore and Oakridge.
  Addressing our Nation's energy problem calls for multi-faceted 
solutions--including alternative fuels. My bill would authorize the 
installation of alternative fuel stations at VA facilities, and require 
a feasibility study regarding the installation of energy efficient and 
renewable energy systems in Department buildings. Such systems include 
solar technologies and energy efficient roof and building envelope 
systems that might utilize ballasted or vegetated roof systems.
  In an effort to assist our Nation's veterans in their efforts to 
become more energy efficient, my bill would provide an additional 
amount of up to $10,000 for high efficiency systems for veterans who 
qualify for specially adaptive housing grants under section 2101 (a)(2) 
of title 38, United States Code. Additionally, it would provide 
veterans who qualify for a specially adapted auto grant, under section 
3902(a) of title 38, United States Code, the additional amount 
necessary to purchase alternative fuel vehicles.
  Finally, VA would be authorized to conduct a pilot program for the 
sale of air pollution emission reduction incentives, also known as 
emission reduction credits, and would be authorized to retain proceeds 
from the sales. America's veterans should benefit from the VA's efforts 
to produce cleaner energy.
  Madam Speaker, as the cost of fossil fuels rise and resources become 
more scarce, our Nation must provide services for our veterans in an 
energy efficient manner. A sustainable energy program at VA will 
conserve energy and financial resources that can be used to provide 
care for our veterans. I encourage my colleagues to support the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Energy Sustainability Act of 2008.

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