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| Contact(s): | Carol Anthony, 202/208-4988 |
| Green Energy Parks Initiative Receives White House Award
The Green Energy Parks program, a joint program with the Department of the Interior's (DOI) National Park Service (NPS) and the Department of Energy (DOE), was honored with one of four Presidential Awards for Federal Energy Management Success. Both Departments were recognized for their outreach partnership efforts demonstrated by the Green Energy Parks program, which was lauded for its innovative renewable and energy efficient technologies in national parks. The Presidential Awards were presented for the first time, as required by Executive Order 13123, Greening The Government through Efficient Energy Management. In addition to outreach, the other three areas of achievement were in implementation, institutionalization, and results. Ken Smith, DOI Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, applauded the efforts of the National Park Service for its hand in the Green Energy Parks initiative. "I am very pleased that the National Park Service has chosen to be on the cutting edge of sustainable practices. And, I am even more pleased that they are working closely with the Interior Department and DOE to demonstrate the high level of Federal government leadership and commitment to energy and water conservation." With visitation to national parks at more that 285 million visitors annually, the national parks are an ideal venue for showing the public how clean energy technologies can improve their lives at home and at work. Both NPS and DOE have committed significant financial and technical resources to make the national parks a showcase for a sustainable future. In FY 2000, the NPS and DOE have committed $3.8 million for the Green Energy Parks initiative. More than sixty visitor centers across the country will incorporate low-cost projects such as: replacing high volume water fixtures, purchasing solar power generation and installing solar lighting, upgrading lighting with motion detectors and occupancy sensors, installing or replacing insulation, and installing water conserving sanitary facilities. - more - In FY 1999, the Park Service and DOE contributed approximately $1.5 million to support sustainable energy projects in twenty parks. This commitment included alternative fuel vehicles and park transit projects. - NPS - The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
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