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Bipartisan Bill Discussed During Hearing on VA Energy Sustainability and Conservation

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

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressmen Steve Buyer and Michael Michaud took the opportunity to discuss their long-standing bipartisan legislation to establish energy conservation and sustainability practices at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during a full Committee hearing on VA energy programs.

At the beginning of the 111^th Congress, the two leaders joined together to introduce H.R. 292, the Department of Veterans Affairs Energy Sustainability Act of 2009. The bill has broad bipartisan support including nine original co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle of the veterans’ committee. It is similar to H.R 6937, which Buyer and Michaud introduced in the 110^th Congress.

“I greatly appreciate the opportunity for this overdue discussion,” Buyer said. “This issue is important on multiple levels. The need for energy independence on a national level is becoming even more critical given the political strife and uncertainty in the Middle East. Also compelling is the need to reduce pollutants that harm our environment--and from a more tightly focused Committee perspective--conserving energy and financial resources allows VA to direct each dollar saved toward veterans’ health care.”

“The imperative of increased energy costs, driven by global demand for resources, really leaves us no choice—we have to be sure VA is doing everything it can. Since VA ranks 6^th highest in energy consumption among federal agencies, it has the opportunity to make a significant impact.” 

“With hundreds of facilities nationwide, including hospitals, outpatient clinics and regional offices, VA should set the example for the wise use of alternative energy resources like solar, wind, and geothermal power.”

Chairman 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.”

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

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

http://www.youtube.com/user/VetAffairsRepublican

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