Download Print Pomeroy Brings GEM to Help “Green the Capitol” U.S. House Purchased Electric Car Manufactured in North Dakota April 1, 2008 , Washington, D.C. - Congressman Earl Pomeroy today delivered the newest utility vehicle in the U.S. House of Representatives’ fleet, a zero-emission Global Electric Motorcar (GEM) vehicle manufactured in Fargo, N.D. Pomeroy was joined by Chief Administrative Officer of the House Daniel Beard and Ed Begley, Jr., star of the television show "Living with Ed," to unveil the vehicle, which was purchased as part of the House of Representatives’ “Green the Capitol” initiative. “North Dakota is at the forefront of our nation’s renewable energy production, from electric vehicles to wind power and biodiesel,” Congressman Pomeroy said. “Our state’s renewable energy industries are leading the way, and companies like GEM are playing a major role. This partnership with GEM and the U.S. House highlights how the ingenuity of a homegrown industry can create jobs and benefit the environment.” Begun in March 2007, the “Green the Capitol” initiative’s mission is “to make the U.S. House of Representatives a leader in providing an environmentally responsible and healthy working environment for our employees and a showcase for sustainability,” according to the Chief Administrative Officer’s (CAO) Web site. The goal of the "Green the Capitol" initiative is to make the House carbon-neutral by the end of the 110th Congress. In addition to incorporating alternative transportation options, efforts include the purchase of wind power and converting to natural gas in the Capitol Power Plant. Details on the initiative can be found at www.cao.house.gov/greenthecapitol. “Going green is becoming a core American value,” said GEM President and COO Rick Kasper. “And, as an American company, it’s a great honor for GEM to participate in the 'Green the Capitol' initiative.” The Capitol’s GEM eLXD, a two-seater utility vehicle, will be used to haul equipment and people around the Capitol grounds as appropriate, according to Chief Administrative Officer Dan Beard. GEM vehicles are battery-electric and produce no tailpipe emissions. GEM employs more than 100 workers at its plant in Fargo.