President Jimmy Carter admires the work after installation of the first White House Solar Panels.
President Carter had 32 solar panels installed on the presidential mansion during the Arab oil embargo. He also called for a campaign to conserve energy and set an example to the American people. The year was 1979.
Fast forward to 1981 - well not exactly a 'fast' forward, more of a slow roll ahead of two years.
President Ronald Reagan takes office and one of his first actions was to order the removal of the solar panels installed by Carter.
President Reagan had a different take on energy consumption - he believed that a free market was the best arbiter of what was good for the country. Reagan felt that Corporate self-interest would steer the country in the right direction.
The solar panels were removed in 1986 with the Chief of Staff commenting that "he felt the equipment was just a joke".
In 1992 half of the solar panels were installed on the roof of the cafeteria at Maine's Unity College where they are used to warm water in both summer and winter.
Moving forward to 2010 and guess what? Solar panels are being reinstalled on the White House with the addition of a solar hot water heater for the living quarters. The photovoltaic system will convert sunlight into 19,700 kilowatt hours of electricity a year. President Obama is hoping this move will help to underscore the commitment to lead and the promise and importance of renewable energy in the United States.
I didn't remember this historical detail. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of how congress is trying to undo the lightbulb bill: I don't really love the light from those compact fluorescent bulbs but I haven't had to change bulbs in my house in something like three years since I installed them. I've saved a fortune. Thank goodness Congress wants me to stop that nonsense!