Huffman Presents Sustainability Certificate to Real Goods and the Solar Living Institute

May 30, 2013

HOPLAND, CA—Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) visited Real Goods and the Solar Living Institute in Hopland, California, today and presented them with his Sustainable North Coast Certificate in recognition of their work championing renewable energy and sustainable living. Photos of the event will be available HERE.

“Real Goods and the Solar Living Institute are champions of renewable energy and sustainable living,” Congressman Huffman said. “Real Goods has been at the forefront of the fight against climate change since 1978 when they sold their first solar panel, and I’m pleased to recognize them for long years of committed work.”

Real Goods was founded in 1978 by John Schaeffer and sold some of the first solar panels in the United States. Real Goods is now a publicly-traded residential and commercial solar company with customers across North America. 

Schaeffer founded the Solar Living Institute nonprofit in 1998, a 12-acre demonstration site that provides workshops on renewable energy, green building, and sustainable living. It includes one of the largest solar arrays in Northern California, a biodiesel fueling station and an organic garden irrigated by a solar pump.

Throughout his tenure in the California State Assembly, Congressman Huffman regularly toured and recognized outstanding sustainable local businesses. This was the second sustainability tour as a member of Congress.

In the House, Congressman Huffman serves as Chair of the Progressive Caucus Task Force on Energy and the Environment; a Member of the Sustainable Energy and the Environment Coalition Caucus; and a Member of the Safe Climate Caucus. He has spoken regularly on the House floor about the need to address climate change and protect the environment.

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