[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 156 (Sunday, September 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 27, 2008

  Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, as Speaker of the House of 
Representatives, I send the appreciation of the Congress to those who 
have given San Francisco, as well as the world, the magnificent gift of 
the new California Academy of Sciences as it opens on September 27, 
2008.
  Generations of Bay Area residents have grown up with the Academy as a 
cultural treasure in Golden Gate Park, visiting as schoolchildren and 
then bringing their own children to this center of exploration and 
natural sciences education. Worn by earthquakes, age, and the love of 
so many children, its friends re-imagined the best possible version of 
this beloved institution.
  How fortunate are we all that the Academy's board and leadership 
secured the talent and vision of the brilliant Italian architect Renzo 
Piano, who transformed this noted science museum into an architectural 
triumph and forward-looking example of energy-efficient design. The 
Academy also benefited greatly from the crusading spirit of former 
executive director Pat Kociolek, whose enthusiasm for a 21st century 
natural history center became infectious.
  The California Academy of Sciences is home to the Steinhart Aquarium, 
Kimball Natural History Museum, Morrison Planetarium and world-class 
research and education programs. The magnificent new site boasts a four 
story living rainforest, an awe-inspiring corral reef ecosystem, a 
living roof of California native plants which is an engineering marvel 
of seven hills reflecting San Francisco's landscape. The Academy is 
committed to preserving natural habitats and protecting essential 
natural resources.
  San Francisco prides itself on being a model for the Nation, indeed 
the world, when it comes to preserving our beautiful planet for future 
generations. Therefore, it is fitting that the California Academy of 
Sciences will be the greenest nature museum in the world and stands 
with the deYoung to make Golden Gate Park a destination of world-class 
museums.
  This extraordinary renovation of the Academy benefited greatly from 
large private philanthropy, due in great part to the tireless work of 
the Academy's Board of Trustees, led by the task force of William 
Wilson, Martha Knopf, George Montgomery and Richard Bingham. the 
renovation also benefited from funding from the city and the state, and 
I am especially pleased my colleagues in Congress joined me to obtain 
$8 million in federal investment for this innovative project.
  My five children, like so many others, spent endless hours exploring 
the boundless treasures of the academy. Now this magnificent new 
building will inspire and educate scores of children, scientists and 
environmental leaders to explore and protect our natural world. I am 
proud to represent this world-class, eco-friendly institution, and look 
forward to introducing my grandchildren to its wonders.

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