- City of Beacon's Municipal Building Will be Powered With Clean, Green, Renewable Solar Energy -

 

Beacon, NY – Standing outside the City of Beacon's Municipal Building today with Mayor Steve Gold, U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-Dover Plains) announced that he has secured federal funding to put up solar panels that will soon be powering the building with clean, efficient, and renewable energy. The 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act that passed the House this week included $66,605 that Congressman John Hall worked to get for a new, energy efficient solar electric power system to be placed on the City of Beacon's highly visible Municipal Building.

 

"This solar power system is a prime example of the type of investments we must be making throughout America," said Congressman Hall. "These green investments are going to increase our energy efficiency, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, save taxpayer money, transform our economy, and finally make our country energy independent.  I'm proud to represent the City of Beacon, which has been a leader in encouraging green development."

 

The 14kw solar electric power system will provide clean, efficient, and renewable energy for the next fifty years.  Not only will this decrease the City of Beacon's carbon footprint by more than fourteen thousand pounds of CO2 each year, but it will also save the city hundreds of thousands of dollars over the long-life of the solar power system.

 

"Investing now in a clean, renewable power source isn't just a smart energy plan—it's a smart economic plan too," said Congressman Hall. "The goals of financial security, economic development, and energy independence all depend on each other. I have been working to revitalize our economy by investing in new, energy-efficient technologies.  These new technologies will improve our environment while providing good paying jobs here at home.  Now more than ever, America must lead the way in developing energy efficiency and renewable power technology.  Here is where we will create the green middle class jobs of the 21st Century."

 

Beacon Mayor Steve Gold said "Congressman John Hall has been a solid supporter of promoting the green economy, and the funding for this project is an excellent example of his work. Helping install solar panels is an excellent way to advance the President's agenda for green initiatives, and it will be made possible here because of Congressman John Hall's service to the City of Beacon."

 

The City will also use these federal funds to set up educational displays inside of the Municipal Building.  The displays will highlight how the solar power system works, as well as the cost savings and environmental benefits of solar power.  Since the Municipal Building houses the City Hall, City Court, and the City Police, it gets a lot of foot traffic. 

 

"By selecting the highly-visible Municipal Building as the host of the solar power system, the City of Beacon is showcasing its dedication to energy development and will serve as a model for energy-efficient practices for communities throughout the Hudson Valley. The Hudson Valley is going to be the leader in green, economically responsible technologies," said Hall.

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