The White House has taken a significant step towards renewable energy, defying Congressional climate deniers in the process. Solar panels have been installed on the roof of the iconic mansion, in a move that is being widely applauded by environmentalists. The decision to embrace solar power is seen as a major victory for those advocating for a shift away from fossil fuels.
“Barack Obama will on Friday unveil several new initiatives intended to expand the deployment of solar power on Friday, as officials confirmed that a set of solar panels on the roof of the White House was now operational.
Obama will – once again – bypass a deadlocked Congress and use his executive authority to announce $2bn funding for energy-saving measures at federal government buildings, as well as new financing and training programmes for solar installations.
The announcements, to be made on a trip to California, cap a climate-focused week at the White House, following the release of an authoritative report on the growing threat posed by heat waves, severe downpours and sea-level rise.
White House officials told a conference call with reporters the initiatives were intended to add momentum to the solar industry, which has seen rapid expansion over the last two years.”
