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Administrator Johnson, Kapolei State Building Energy Star Event, Kapolei, HI
02/22/2006
As EPA’s Administrator, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to every region of our nation. Through these visits, I’ve come to appreciate the unique beauty of each of our state environments - and needless-to-say, Hawaii is no exception. Just being here today in this beautiful setting gives me a better appreciation of the Governor’s commitment to preserving the natural resources and beauty of these magnificent islands. The people of Hawaii have a rich history of protecting their environmental inheritance, and the achievement we are recognizing continues this legacy. Today we are awarding the Kapolei State building the prestigious Energy Star award for being in the top 25 percent of energy efficient buildings in the entire country. Whether you are running a school, a household, or a state building, getting the most out of your energy dollars just make sense. Responsible energy use means greater economic security, a healthier environment, and more money in your pockets. The President also understands that environmental stewardship and energy conservation go arm-in-arm. As part of President Bush’s national energy strategy, our nation has funded nearly $10 billion in developing energy sources that are cleaner, cheaper and more efficient. Over the past four years, the Bush Administration has worked to increase domestic energy supplies, encourage efficiency and conservation, and develop alternative and renewable sources of energy. We are committed to improving the nation’s energy and environmental outlook, in part, by encouraging common-sense, energy-efficiency measures like Energy Star. Energy Star’s blue label is a powerful information tool that allows American consumers to invest in efficient products, cleaner air and healthier lives. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, prevented the release of 34 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions – equivalent to the emissions from 23 million vehicles – and saved about $12 billion on their utility bills. The state of Hawaii has been a leader in this effort by partnering with EPA to assess and improve the energy use in its buildings. Through its partnership commitment, Hawaii has used EPA’s energy performance rating system to generate a rating for the energy use of the Kapolei State building. An energy performance rating of 75 is the minimum required rating to be considered eligible for an Energy Star award. So today, I am pleased to announce that this state building has earned a rating of 95 out of 100 – a remarkable accomplishment. It is one of the 10 buildings in Hawaii that has met Energy Star’s requirements for energy performance, thermal comfort, indoor air quality and lighting levels. The buildings where we work, shop, and educate our children are some of the biggest users of energy in this country, consuming about $80 billion worth of electricity and natural gas each year. Buildings that earn the Energy Star award reduce their energy usage by about 40 percent. I am pleased that the state of Hawaii is meeting President Bush's call to conserve our energy resources. Hawaii has joined more than 25 other states in support of the ENERGY STAR Challenge. Announced by EPA last year, the Challenge is designed to encourage owners of public and private buildings in the United States to make energy efficiency improvements of 10 percent or more of their buildings. To further support the states which are pursuing cost-effective, clean energy policies, EPA offers the Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership program. This program helps states identify the most cost-effective policies that will improve their energy system and economy, and do even more to protect our shared environment. One of our newest tools, the Clean Energy-Environment Guide to Action, is a best practices blueprint to help states deliver their residents clean, reliable and low-cost energy. I am pleased we have begun discussions with Hawaii about formally establishing a Clean Energy-Environment Partnership Agreement. These are exciting times for America. The President has set big goals for our nation’s energy security, economic well-being and environmental health - and I am confident that we can meet those goals, in part through the innovative spirit of states like Hawaii. Together, we are changing the way we power or homes, our businesses, and our state buildings – making the best use of our energy dollars while protecting our shared environment. And so, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, I am pleased to be here today to present the Energy Star award - the national symbol for protecting the environment through superior energy performance - to Governor Lingle for the Kapolei State building. Together with our state partners, EPA and our state partners are defining a new generation of environmentally preferable buildings that make sense for our environment and the bottom line. Governor, will you please join me to accept this award? |
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