Speeches - By Date

That = s why I = m pleased to be here today to recognize the important work of RealEnergy and Arden Realty to increase the use of combined heat and power (CHP) technology. Through the recycling and utilization of heat normally lost under traditional power generation methods, CHP offers a reliable, efficient, and clean alternative.

Recognizing these energy and environmental benefits, President Bush has advocated the use of CHP in the National Energy Plan. At EPA, we created the CHP Partnership in October 2001 in order to work with the private sector to promote and increase the use of this beneficial power system. Since that time the number of partners has grown from 17 to 84, and through their efforts we have installed over 450 megawatts of new CHP B enough power for half a million households.

RealEnergy, as one of our founding partners, has been a leader in this effort. Their innovative business model B building, owning and operating CHP units on-site at commercial buildings B has enabled them to become the leading CHP supplier to office buildings in the United States. In fact, by the end of 2003, RealEnergy expects to have more than 60 megawatts of clean, efficient systems either operating or under construction in at least four states.

Arden Realty and their subsidiary next>edge are being recognized today as a new member of the CHP Partnership, and though they are new to this partnership, by no means are they new to the work of promoting energy efficiency and improving the environment. As a three time winner of ENERGY STAR partner of the year, Arden Realty has long been an environmental leader. With over 100 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings, including the one we are in today, Arden holds the largest number of ENERGY STAR buildings in the country.

So, it comes as no surprise that RealEnergy and Arden Realty have joined together to aggressively implement CHP projects in office buildings and other commercial properties. Currently operating a total of five systems in Southern California, they are increasing energy efficiency at these facilities by about 50%, and they are also reducing emissions of harmful greenhouse gases by about 50% as compared to conventional power generation. These are real and measureable improvements that will enhance the quality of life for the people of Southern California, but we need to do more.

It is through the President= s Clear Skies Act of 2003 we can look for further improvement. Clear Skies goes right to the source B power plants B and calls for mandatory reductions of 70 percent on three of the most dangerous pollutants they emit B nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and mercury. Clear Skies sets a clear, objective standard for mandatory reductions, and while it sets the goal, Clear Skies does not regulate the path to meeting that goal.

This flexibility enables states and facilities to pursue the most cost effective approach to cleaner air and helps ensure our ability as a nation to respond quickly and efficiently to changes in the energy marketplace. By using this market-based approach, we will remove 35 million more tons of NOx, SO₂ , and mercury from the air over the first ten years of our Clear Skies Act than what the current Clean Air Act would achieve in that time frame.

What this means is cleaner air to breathe for all Americans B preventing asthma attacks in children, other respiratory ailments in adults, and saving lives. Clear Skies is a clear win for the American people. It will improve our air, protect public health, and increase energy security. Both Clear Skies and CHP are important tools in reaching our shared goal of cleaner air. I want to thank both RealEnergy and Arden Realty for leading the way to increase the use of CHP and for setting a strong example of environmental leadership for other companies to follow.

In recognition of your work, I = d like to present you both with the ENERGY STAR CHP Certificate for the superior environmental performance and use of CHP at the Oceangate Tower property in nearby Long Beach. This is the first of the five CHP systems to achieve a year = s operating experience, thereby becoming eligible for this award. In addition, I = d like to present Arden Realty, Inc. and their subsidiary next>edge with this certificate recognizing their participation as a new partner in EPA's CHP Partnership. Thank you and I = d be happy to answer any questions at this time.