Congress has natural source for hot air
For the last 99 years, the Capitol Power Plant, which provides steam for heat and hot water in congressional buildings, has had the distinction of being the only coal-burning facility in Washington D.C. Coal? In the capitol? What’s next – late-night filibustering in the glow of candles and lanterns fueled by animal fat?
Jot this one down in the "Who knew?" category, courtesy of the Associated Press:
For the last 99 years, the Capitol Power Plant, which provides steam for heat and hot water in congressional buildings, has had the distinction of being the only coal-burning facility in Washington D.C.
Coal? In the capitol? What's next – late-night filibustering in the glow of candles and lanterns fueled by animal fat?
The AP reports that the plant, powered by both coal and natural gas, has switched to natural-gas only in an effort to reduce the carbon-pollution impact of Congress on the nation's capital.
"The Congress of the United States should not only be a model for the nation, but also a good neighbor," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
She was referring to the fact that the D.C. government has complained that the smoke- belching plant worsens air quality and has affected the respiratory health of residents and workers in the area, particularly children.
The plant hasn't used coal since March. Sadly, Pelosi hasn't been able to do a thing to curb the toxic hot fumes emitting from some gasbags in Congress.