[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E44]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ENERGY 
                       SUSTAINABILITY ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE BUYER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2009

  Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today, my distinguished colleague Mr. 
Michaud and I, along with several of our other colleagues, are 
introducing the bipartisan Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, Energy 
Sustainability Act of 2009. This legislation would establish strategic 
and long-term plans for energy sustainability and conservation within 
the VA.
  Addressing our Nation's energy problem calls for Congress to adopt a 
multi-faceted approach to include the use of alternative fuels, 
restructuring building systems, and encouraging the use of energy 
efficient systems and vehicles. Our bill would require a report on the 
installation of alternative fuel stations at VA facilities, as funded 
in P.L. 110-329, and require a feasibility study regarding the 
installation of energy efficient and renewable energy systems in 
Department buildings. Such systems include solar technologies, energy 
efficient roof and building envelope systems, wind technology, and 
wood-based bio-fuels.
  As our country adapts to the increased global demand for energy 
resources, it is imperative that we effectively implement wise 
consumption policies and take real steps to mitigate the impact of 
increased costs. This bill would create a VA Office of Energy 
Management, and an Energy Advisory Committee consisting of VA officials 
and private sector experts on energy management. The Office of Energy 
Management, with the advice and recommendations of the Energy Advisory 
Committee and national laboratories such as those at Lawrence Livermore 
and Oak Ridge, would be responsible for helping VA meet a number of 
specific energy sustainability goals. This includes compliance with 
Presidential Order 13423, VA Directive 0055, and the long term 
sustainable energy plans in this legislation. The office would also 
establish a database to track VA's energy and water consumption.
  In an effort to assist our Nation's veterans in their individual 
efforts to become more energy efficient, our 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 VA 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 rises and resources become 
scarcer, 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 bipartisan 
Department of Veterans Affairs Energy Sustainability Act of 2009.

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