Capitol power plant dims clean energy hopes (Washington DC Hypocrites)

ap ^ | 3/1/2009 | DINA CAPPIELLO

[tobyhill]

As Congress tries to clean up the nation's energy sources and cut gases blamed for global warming, it is struggling to do so in its own backyard.

The Capitol Power Plant, a 99-year-old facility that heats and cools the hallowed halls of Congress, still burns coal and accounts for one-third of the legislative branch's greenhouse gas emissions. For a decade, lawmakers have attempted to clean it up.

In recent years, Congress has reduced its energy consumption. The steam and chilled-water power plant has become more efficient. It now burns more natural gas and only 35 percent coal, compared with 49 percent in 2007.

But Congress is running out of options to make the plant fully green. Also, there are questions about whether it can afford to keep paying to use the extra natural gas, which burns cleaner than coal.

[freeangel]

The dem’s hot air along with 0’s could power DC up for the next century although I’m not sure how big the carbon footprint might be.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Why can’t they just switch back to coal and try out some of the experimental carbon sequestration technology that is coming out?

[digger48]

Nancy will probably put a wind turbine on top of the Washington Monument and knock down the Jefferson Memorial to make room for solar panels.

[BigBobber]

I’m waiting for windmills and solar cells to cover the Capitol Mall. Zero said those methods would save us all money, so what’s holding them back?

[SteamShovel]

99-year-old facility that heats and cools the hallowed halls of Congress, still burns coal and accounts for one-third of the legislative branch's greenhouse gas emissions

.....1/3 from the heating/cooling plant

.....1/3 from Congressmen breathing

.....1/3 from Senators breathing

If the just all kill themselves, there would be no breathing or need for the heating/cooling plant to operate.

[Paladin2]

Shut it down along with the air-conditioning.

[The Great RJ]

While we swelter or shiver in our darkened homes to save the planet, Congress will continue to tax us more in comfort. Hypocrites!

[lacrew]

I think it is very wasteful to use natural gas to produce electricity.

Always have...but its being done more and more.

[RedMonqey]

It would make a great demonstration project. When it fails(using current solar and wind technology) they wouldn't be able to hide the disaster. Plus it will be their butts freezing and sweating during extreme weather.

Let's do it!!

[Malsua]

I say that the Congress and the White House should go Electricity Neutral. Just shut the breakers off so they can legislate like the founding fathers used to. Maybe that way, nothing would ever get done and we’d all be left in peace.

[RedMonqey]

“Nancy will probably... knock down the Jefferson Memorial to make room for solar panels.”

Why not. She and the Democrats already destroyed his most famous creation, the Constitution.

[Cheetahcat]

Since when do we need Washington DC ?? Everything can be done from a state level plus it will keep the Snakes apart!

[Paladin2]

Power plant and coal yard:

http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qgd89w8kgcsc&style=b&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=24021311&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1

[Paladin2]

[Paladin2]

link to picture