[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15209]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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              HONORING R.C. NORTH PLUMBING & HEATING INC.

 Ms. SNOWE. Madam President, at a time when people from my home 
State of Maine and throughout the Nation are struggling to cope with an 
unrelenting climb in energy prices, I rise today to recognize a small 
business that sells innovative, technological solutions to families and 
enterprises in Southern and Central Maine. R.C. North Plumbing & 
Heating Inc. of Naples provides energy-efficient heating and cooling 
equipment and expertise, which, in turn, enables Mainers to save money 
and decrease their energy consumption.
  R.C. North Plumbing & Heating Inc., though less than 5 years old, 
offers years of technical experience in residential heating, cooling, 
and plumbing, which helps its customers remain confident that their 
heating and cooling systems are operating at maximum efficiency, 
thereby saving water, energy, and ultimately money. Furthermore, many 
of the products that R.C. North sells and installs are designated 
ENERGY STAR products by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and 
the U.S. Department of Energy because of their energy efficiency.
  In addition to providing traditional heating and plumbing services, 
R.C. North has a burgeoning solar division that offers customers 
technologies to convert the Sun's power into a safe and reliable energy 
source for heating water. Additionally, R.C. North participates in the 
Maine Solar Energy Rebate Program, founded in 2005, to encourage the 
growth of solar energy in Maine by providing rebates to individuals who 
purchase solar energy systems. The firm is also certified by the Maine 
Public Utilities Commission as an installer of solar thermal heating 
systems.
  Featured on OurMaine Homes, a local television program highlighting 
local businesses in the construction and home maintenance industry, 
R.C. North has received praise from fellow contractors and customers 
alike. The business is also an active member of the State of Maine 
Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association and is engaged in the 
community as a member of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce.
  Last month, Senator Kerry and I held a hearing in the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship that focused on the 
devastating impacts that the rising price of home heating oil is having 
on homes and small businesses. During that hearing, what has long been 
apparent was reiterated for all to hear--namely, that without a 
proactive approach to stem this crisis and achieve real results, the 
unmistakable tsunami that is heading for Maine as winter approaches 
will be far worse than we have seen. The American people have come to 
recognize this fact, and companies such as R.C. North Plumbing & 
Heating have filled the demand that Americans have for energy-efficient 
heating and cooling systems. The company's foresight and persistence in 
leading Maine's development of solar heating is commendable. I thank 
everyone at R.C. North for their dedication, and wish them success in 
continuing to broaden Maine's exposure to energy efficiency as well as 
alternative forms of energy.

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