RECOGNIZING SUSTAINABLE WESTCHESTER

On 2026-05-12, Representative George Latimer (D-NY-16) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING SUSTAINABLE WESTCHESTER" in the House.

RECOGNIZING SUSTAINABLE WESTCHESTER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [House] [Page H3377] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING SUSTAINABLE WESTCHESTER (Mr. LATIMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an organization in my district that is turning asphalt into opportunity. Sustainable Westchester, a pioneering regional nonprofit serving the Hudson Valley, has launched a bold new initiative called Black Gold. The concept is innovative: install solar canopies over the vast parking lots that dot our region, transforming the pavement into clean power and energy savings at a time when we are all feeling the squeeze. Parking lots are some of the most underutilized spaces in America. Black Gold changes that. It generates renewable energy, reduces grid strain, shades vehicles, and creates good-paying jobs with critical help from Sustainable Westchester. This is exactly the kind of homegrown innovation that drives economic development and fights climate change at the same time. Mr. Speaker, Black Gold isn't just good energy policy. It is smart economic policy, and it is happening in my district in the Hudson Valley. I urge those interested to visit sustainablewestchester.org for more information on this vital initiative. ____________________