Setting the Example for Global Warming

The Capitol Power Plant, operated by Congress, is the only coal-burning plant in Washington, D.C., and a major source of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and soot in a city that has repeatedly been found in violation of the Clean Air Act. But any efforts to eliminate coal have been thwarted by two of the most powerful figures in the Senate, who just happen to represent coal-producing states: Robert Byrd, D.-W.Va., chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. When the office of the Architect of the Capitol took a step in 2000 to eliminate coal from the fuel mix, the two lawmakers had a lot of say about the architect's budget, and the discussions quickly ended. Neither senator has any apologies for wanting the plant to continue using coal. "He'd like it to continue as the fuel source," said spokesman Don Stewart of McConnell, though he said the senator would review any recommendations from the architect's office. "As we break the chains of foreign oil, our reliance on resources that we have here at home will only expand," Byrd spokeswoman Jenny Thalheimer said. "Technologies are available today that can burn coal more cleanly and more efficiently." The plant has been called the "armpit of the Capitol" by Rep. James Moran, D-Va., who has repeatedly questioned why Congress continues to operate it. Lawmakers recently approved an $85 million expansion so the plant can serve the Capitol Visitors Center, which is under construction.