Rep. Johnson's offices honored with green award

Congressman marks American progress on 40th annual Earth Day:

WASHINGTON – On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Rep. Hank Johnson announced that his District and D.C. offices were recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives for "greening" the U.S. Capitol and the State of Georgia by reducing electricity usage, reducing waste, and increasing recycling.

Thirty-three Democratic and 17 Republican offices received the same honor. In just the last few years the “My Green Office” program, which Rep. Johnson is a leader, has saved more than 481,650 kilowatts of electricity and 204,020 pounds of landfill waste across Capitol Hill.

All of Rep. Johnson’s offices in Washington, D.C. and the Fourth Congressional District recycle all paper, plastic, newspapers, aluminum, toner cartridges and glass, use smart power strips, Energy Star appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs.

“Since 2008, my staff and I have tried to lead the way toward a greener Congress,” said Johnson. “I’m proud we were one of just 50 offices recognized for our commitment to the environment.”

Rep. Johnson lauded recent steps taken by Congress to invest in a clean energy economy that will create jobs, reduce American dependence on foreign oil, improve Americans' health and mitigate the effects of man-made climate change.

Johnson recently visited Norcross, GA, solar panel manufacturer Suniva, which has announced that it is hiring thanks to $5.7 million in Recovery Act tax credits.

“If we don't invest in clean energy today, China and the rest of the world will overtake us,” said Rep. Johnson. “The United States can and must be the world's leading producer of clean energy.”

For more on Rep. Johnson’s efforts to “Green the Capitol” click here.

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