Washington, D.C. – Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) and Mike Honda (D-Campbell) recently sent Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader John Boehner copies of a report summarizing a recent discussion with Silicon Valley industry leaders titled, “How Going Green Saves Money, Jobs, and Improves Lives.” The discussion and conference, held at the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, CA, featured leaders from both the private sector and public sector highlighting and discussing their efforts to reduce carbon footprints by creating new ways to use energy more efficiently and generate power in a more sustainable manner. The forum, which was convened by Rep. Lofgren, included Rep. Mike Honda (D-Campbell), House of Representatives Chief Administrative Officer Dan Beard, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, Santa Clara County Supervisor Blanca Alvarado, and senior executives from local Fortune 500 companies. The report was also made available to all member offices digitally.

Dear Madam Speaker and Republican Leader Boehner:

On April 28, 2008, we hosted a panel discussion and meeting with Silicon Valley industry leaders titled, “How Going Green Saves Money, Jobs, and Improves Lives” at the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, CA.  The enclosed report presents a summary of the lessons learned that can be applied to the House of Representatives’ operations in support of the Green the Capitol initiative.

At the panel discussion, the private sector and the public sector shared the steps they are taking to reduce their carbon footprint by creating new ways to use energy more efficiently and generate power in a more sustainable manner.  The benefits of going green are not limited to improving the environment.  Companies have also improved efficiency and lowered costs. Applied Materials estimates that by installing solar panels it will create 900 jobs. Adobe installed 23,000 sensors, on their office towers and was able to monitor and control electricity consumption, allowing the sensors to pay for themselves in 8 weeks.  Adobe also made the switch to green nontoxic cleaning products which have saved money, kept the cleaning crew healthier, and spared Adobe employees from the harmful effects of being exposed to noxious fumes.  If we were to make changes like these here at the Capitol it would translate to significant savings for taxpayers.

At our request, Chief Administrative Officer Beard also attended the discussion.  With the cooperation of his office we believe that these straightforward, but innovative, recommendations will make a significant impact in encouraging sustainable operations for the House community.  Greening does not begin or end within our Capitol community, and we need to learn from the successful practices of both government and private sector.  We respectfully urge that the House draw upon these private sector best practices as it continues its historic effort to Green the Capitol.  If you would like more information or care to discuss the enclosed report and recommendations, please do not hesitate to contact us.