|
MAYOR BILL WHITE TOUTS HOUSTON'S DESIGNATION AS A SOLAR CITY
April 4, 2008 -- Mayor Bill White today welcomed Houston’s recognition by the U.S. Department of Energy as a Solar America City.
The DOE announced that Houston has been selected as one of 12 cities to be recognized. Houston was chosen for its commitment and comprehensive approach to the deployment of solar technologies.
The grant makes available $200,000 in funds to the City of Houston from the DOE along with access to their technical resources to develop a strategy and plan for solar infrastructure in the region. BP Solar, a key partner in the proposal, will provide an additional $200,000 in solar panels to the City of Houston as part of the matching requirement for the grant.
“Houston is in a unique position to help lead the nation to make power more affordable for all Americans. We are home to one of the largest producers of photo voltaic (solar power) cells in the country, in BP,” said Mayor White. “We have the energy expertise that, coupled with privately funded initiatives and innovative policy-makers, can make solar power of greater use to Americans more quickly.”
The Solar America Cities initiative is one of many sustainable efforts Houston is pursuing in ensuring our region continues its strong growth and prosperity. The Mayor invites Houstonians to attend this weekend the Houston Green Expo at Reliant Park from 10am to 5pm on both days to see green products and services available to our community.
“These Solar America Cities aim to jumpstart integration of solar power and encourage other cities across the nation to follow suit,” Secretary Bodman said during the official announcement in Denver, Colorado.
Solar power technologies will be on display at the Houston Green Expo at the Reliant Center Exhibition Hall B, this Saturday and Sunday April 5th and 6th.
For more information on the American Solar Cities Program, please view the links below for the news releases from the Department of Energy.
|
