Thank you for providing Mel Poole and me with a copy of your letter to the President in which you propose certain solar energy applications at the White House. As a member of the original steering committee on the "Greening of the White House," I was pleased to hear of your continuing interest in energy conservation and photovoltaic applications in the President's Park.

Our working relationship with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has led to the use of photovoltaics in current projects and programs like the annual Pageant of Peace - the lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree. We have also built energy-saving technology into the design of replacement security structures, the reconstruction of the White House roof and other current construction projects. And we have integrated a sustainablity ethic into our long-range planning - the White House Comprehensive Design Plan and the Redesign of Pennsylvania Avenue.

I particularly like your specific idea about solar-powered lamp posts and information kiosks and I have asked our design team to consider the idea in the Pennsylvania Avenue plan. I would suggest you contact Chief Usher Gary Walters (202-456-2650) for further discussion about the White House flag pole and talk with Bill Cobbs of the General Services Administration (202-395-4546) about solar collectors on the west wing roof.

We appreciate your continuing interest in energy conservation applications in our national park system and we look forward to future opportunities to work with you. If we could be of further assistance, please give us a call on (202) 619-6344.

Sincerely,

James I. McDaniel
Director
White House Liaison