FREDERICK, MD –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) today toured the BP Solar – USA headquarters in Frederick, the largest integrated solar manufacturing facility in the United States. The Senator, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, is deeply concerned about U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources and the growing threat of global warming.

“Today's visit to the BP Solar plant has reaffirmed by belief that we must develop renewable energy sources,” said Senator Cardin. “The United States has the capability to become energy independent in the next decade, but we must develop a comprehensive energy strategy that takes advantage of new technology such as solar energy.”

The Senator met with Mary Shields, BP Regional President, and Eric Daniels, BP Vice-President of Technology and Product Development during his tour of the facility. BP Solar is a global company with more than 2,200 employees working on producing solar electricity. The BP Solar plant in Frederick has recently completed a $25 million expansion, and it been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy this year to receive $7.5 million in funding as part of an initiative to promote solar energy and reduce our nation's dependence on foreign energy.

Senator Cardin recently introduced
The American Green Building Act, S. 1165, which would require all new federal buildings live up to green building LEED silver standards set by the United States Green Building Council.