[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
[April 20, 1998]
[Page 592]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Energy Star Buildings Label Program
April 20, 1998

    I extend my congratulations to the owners and managers of three of 
America's greatest landmark buildings for pledging to dramatically cut 
their energy use--an important step to protect our environment. The 
Empire State Building and the World Trade Center in New York and the 
Sears Tower in Chicago are long-time symbols of American enterprise and 
ingenuity. Today they become symbols of leadership and responsibility in 
ensuring that our Nation tackles the challenge of global warming. These 
skyscrapers are again hitting new heights by leading the way in curbing 
the pollution that contributes to global warming.
    These American landmarks are charter members of the administration's 
new Energy Star Buildings Label program--a vital part of our plan to put 
the Nation on track to curb global warming. Their owners are voluntarily 
committing to cut their energy use up to 30 percent, thereby reducing 
the burning of fossil fuels and the related carbon dioxide pollution 
that causes global warming. These buildings will save energy, save money 
in electricity bills, and protect the true bottom line--the environment 
we leave our children.
    I call on all commercial building owners and managers across our 
Nation to take the same responsible, commonsense, cost-effective step to 
help meet our most pressing environmental challenge. If all commercial 
buildings became Energy Star Buildings, we would save $25 billion a year 
and achieve over 10 percent of the carbon dioxide reduction needed to 
meet our Kyoto target.
    I am sure the American people join me in thanking the following 
building owners and managers who have signed up as charter members in 
our new Energy Star Building Label program: the Port Authority of New 
York and New Jersey; the Helmsley-Spear, Inc.; the Rockefeller Center 
Management Corp.; TrizecHahn Office Properties, Inc.; LaSalle Partners; 
the Durst Organization; Amerimar Enterprises, Inc.; MagneTek, Inc.; the 
Trane Company; Rudin Management Company, Inc.; Tooley and Company; 
Cushman and Wakefield; Harwood Pacific Corporation; and the General 
Services Administration.