Residential-Scale Wind Turbines on Display at U.S. Botanic Garden

Two wind turbines scaled to power individual homes, farms, or businesses are available for public viewing on the National Mall and will remain in place through January 2009 as part of an effort to demonstrate environmentally sustainable practices. The turbines are part of a larger exhibit by the United States Botanic Garden, which is located on the Mall adjacent to the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit One Planet Ours! Sustainability for the 22nd Century, will also feature displays from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals who are leading efforts toward sustainable lifestyles, providing the millions of Inauguration visitors with first-hand information about ways they can reduce their own impact on the environment. The American Wind Energy Association will provide educational materials for visitors, including U.S. wind maps and information on how wind works. Small wind turbines are electric generators that use wind energy to produce clean, on-site, emissions-free power for individual homes, farms, and small businesses. With this simple and increasingly popular technology, individuals can cut their energy bills while helping to protect the environment in a tangible way. Ten thousand small wind turbines were sold in the U.S. in 2007, and in all 50 states. The market is expected to increase sharply as concerns increase about high electricity prices and global warming. For more information about small wind turbines see: www.awea.org/smallwind or contact Ron Stimmel at 202-383-2546 or mailto:rstimmel@awea.org rstimmel@awea.org . About the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA): AWEA is the national trade association of Americas wind industry, with more than 1,800 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers, and the worlds largest wind power trade show. AWEA is the voice of wind energy in the U.S., promoting renewable energy to power a cleaner, stronger America. More information on wind energy is available at the AWEA Web site: http://www.awea.org . About the United States Botanic Garden (USBG): The United States Botanic Garden, dating from 1820, is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress since 1856, the Garden informs visitors about the importance and fundamental value of plants to the well-being of humans and our planet. It also highlights the diversity of plants worldwide, particularly their aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic, and ecological significance. With nearly a million visitors annually and located on the National Mall, the USBG strives to demonstrate and promote sustainable practices for individuals, organizations, and institutions. Administered through the Office of the Architect of the Capitol the USBG is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal Government. Learn more at http://www.usbg.gov”>www.usbg.gov . For more information about the USBG, contact Ray Mims, (202) 226-4067.