“Learning to walk in high heels will keep you on your toes.”
Solar panels on the White HouseIn 1979, 32 solar panels on the White House roof, installed by the Carter administration, were dedicated. President Carter wished to demonstrate a committment to renewable energy use, as a model for the nation. About 3m x 1m x 10cm deep, the dark surfaces of the panels absorbed energy from sunlight, heating water passing through pipes snaking below them. Carter stated, “In the year 2000 this solar water heater behind me, which is being dedicated today, will still be here supplying cheap, efficient energy.” That was not to be. The subsequent Republican President, Ronald Reagan, with one of the worst environmental records of any president, while the roof was being resurfaced in 1986, had them removed and sent to warehouse storage. In the same year he slashed the research and development budget for renewable energy, and eliminated tax breaks for wind turbines and solar projects.« |
