Via The Gavel, a letter issued yesterday by Nancy Pelosi, et al, re: Green this Hill, damnit:
The Honorable Daniel P. Beard
Chief Administrative Officer
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515Dear Mr. Beard:
We are writing to direct you to undertake a critical initiative to address energy conservation, efficiency and cost savings for the U.S. Capitol and congressional office buildings.
The House of Representatives should provide leadership to the nation in providing an environmentally responsible and healthy working environment for our employees.
We request that you, in conjunction with your Senate counterparts, undertake a “Green the Capitol” initiative to ensure that the House institutes the most up-to-date industry and government standards for green building and green operating procedures. This process should include recommendations for benchmarking existing conditions; setting meaningful and measurable goals; timetables for implementing various changes in operating conditions; and measures to report progress on a regular basis.
A preliminary report should be provided by April 30, 2007, with final recommendations submitted to us by June 30. Please undertake this initiative in cooperation with the Architect of the Capitol, U.S. Capitol Police, and other House officers. You should also consult on a regular basis with the House Administration Committee, the Committee on Appropriations, and other House committees as appropriate. We would hope that you can consult with your Senate counterparts to ensure that the improvements you recommend are fully considered by those managing Senate operations and buildings as well.
The Capitol complex should lead the nation in preserving our planet for future generations.
Sincerely,
Nancy Pelosi
SpeakerSteny H. Hoyer
Majority LeaderJuanita Millender-McDonald
Chairwoman, Committee on House Administration
