House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence, (202) 225-3527

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Steve Buyer and Michael Michaud introduced bipartisan legislation to establish long-term energy conservation and sustainability practices at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“Today we introduced the Department of Veterans Affairs Energy Sustainability Act of 2009,” Buyer said.  “This bill, H.R. 292, would establish long-term plans for energy sustainability and conservation within the VA. I am pleased to have strong bipartisan support with cosponsorship from Representatives Jeff Miller, John Boozman, Doug Lamborn, John Salazar, Timothy Walz, Gus Bilirakis, Vern Buchanan, Henry Brown, Jr., and Phil Hare.”

“As our country adapts to the increased global demand for energy resources it is imperative that we develop wise consumption policies and take real steps to mitigate the impact of increased costs. This bill would require a feasibility study regarding the installation of energy efficient and renewable energy systems in Department buildings and a report on the installation of alternative fuel stations for VA facilities, as funded in P.L. 110-329. Such systems include solar technologies, energy efficient roof and building envelope systems, wind technology and wood-based bio-fuels.

The bill would also provide an additional amount of up to $10,000 for high efficiency systems for veterans who qualify for specially adapted housing grants and it would provide veterans who qualify for specially adapted auto grants the additional amount necessary to purchase alternative fuel vehicles.”

Representative Michaud added, “The energy challenges facing our country require innovative solutions and a commitment to establish wise conservation and sustainability practices. The federal government should be on the forefront of this issue. I am particularly pleased that our bill includes the use of wind technology and wood based bio-fuels.  These technologies have the capability of saving VA significant funds and resources, which can then be re-invested in veterans’ programs and benefits.”

“As the cost of fossil fuels rise and resources become scarcer, our nation must provide services for our veterans in an energy efficient manner,” Buyer said. “VA is the second largest federal agency with hundreds of facilities nationwide including, hospitals, outpatient clinics and regional offices, and it should set the example for the wise use of alternative and renewable energy resources. Doing so will conserve energy and financial resources that can be used to provide care for our veterans.”

For more news from House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Republicans, please go to: 

http://republicans.veterans.house.gov/

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