See here for a letter from Congressman Paul Ryan to DOE Secretary Steven Chu in October 2009, pleading for Obama “stimulus” funds for an energy efficiency project in Wisconsin that would build “sustainable demand for green jobs, “reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulate the local economy by creating new jobs.” Ryan even exaggerates the CO2 emissions reductions by a factor of a MILLION (note: TOTAL U.S. CO2 emissions are about 5.6 billion metric tons; Ryan claims that this one project would slash 2,628 billion metric tons of CO2 – 500 times more than the entire country emits in a year!).
There’s so much irony here, it’s hard to know where to start, from Ryan’s clear acknowledgement that the “stimulus” creates jobs, to pressing the importance of slashing greenhouse gas emissions (so, he’s a big believer in global warming now?), to talking about the wonders of “green jobs” (I thought he believed those were imaginary, evil, corrupt, whatever). Fortunately for Ryan, Republicans have ZERO sense of irony. Or shame.
…I was pleased to learn that their Topic Area I project (the Wisconsin Energy Efficiency Project) is aimed at transforming energy efficiency retrofit markets, building sustainable demand for green jobs, and providing a model in other communities.
In addition, I was pleased that the primary objectives of their project will allow residents and businesses in the partner cities to reduce their energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulate the local economy by creating new jobs. For example, the applicant believes that the business portion of their project will improve the energy efficiency of 96,000,000 square feet of buildings, result in $41 million in reduced utility bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2,628,655 million metric tons of CO2, and create or retain approximately 7,600 new jobs over the 3 year grant period and the subsequent 3 years. In addition, the residential portion of their project is designed to serve at least 14,200 homes, save approximately $12 million in utility bills and 10,035 million metric tons of CO2.
I support the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation’s grant application for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, and I would appreciate it if you and the appropriate DOE officials would ensure that it is given your prompt and full consideration, consistent with all laws and regulations. Thank you for your consideration of my request.
Sincerely,
Paul Ryan
Member of Congress
h/t: David Roberts
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