THE NATION - News from May 3, 2009

The 99-year-old Capitol Power Plant, which provides steam for heat and hot water in congressional buildings, is ending its distinction of being the only coal-burning facility in the District of Columbia.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said Friday that the switch to natural gas as the sole fuel source used at the plant was part of their efforts 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,” Pelosi said.

The two Democratic leaders have launched steps in the last several years to make the Capitol grounds more environmentally friendly. But moves to change lightbulbs, use less paper and buy fuel-efficient vehicles have in some respects been overshadowed by the smoke that continues to rise from the power plant about four blocks south of the Capitol.

The D.C. government has complained that the plant worsens air quality and has affected the respiratory health of workers and residents in the area, particularly children.

The plant last year operated on about 65% natural gas and 35% coal. Pelosi’s office said the plant had not burned coal since March and would continue to go without it, barring problems.

Acting Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers cautioned in a letter to Pelosi that the natural gas pipelines must be upgraded. He said coal might have to be used as a backup when heating needs exceed capacity of those pipelines, when abnormally cold conditions increase demand or during equipment outages.

The Capitol complex is not totally ending its dependence on coal. Electricity is supplied by a utility company that uses coal as a power source.

Ending the use of coal at the plant has met resistance from coal-state lawmakers, who tout the possibilities of clean coal.