Congressman Gregory W. Meeks calls on Secretary Geithner to Support Energy Investment in South Africa

(WASHINGTON, DC)– In bipartisan show of support for eco-development, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks and seven of his colleagues called for Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to support the World Bank’s proposal to fund the Eskom super-critical power plant in South Africa.

In a letter to Secretary Geithner, Congressman Meeks emphasized the importance of supporting this project because of the potential for economic growth and geopolitical stability in southern Africa. In commenting on the letter, Congressman Meeks stated, “South Africa is the growth engine for Africa. At a time when South Africa and its neighbors experience rolling blackouts, providing an additional, greener source of energy is vital to contributing to economic growth in Africa.”

Congressman Meeks also stated that he supported the Eskom project because of its potential to reduce carbon emissions. “Super-critical power plants are a step in the right direction in reducing South Africa’s carbon footprint, as they can lead to a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and in the amount of coal mined for the same amount of electricity generated. I am also pleased that the World Bank’s loan includes $750 million for solar and wind energy projects.”

Other Members of Congress joining Congressman Meeks in the letter to Secretary Geithner include: Donald Payne, Bobby Rush, Yvette Clarke, William Lacy Clay, Maxine Waters, Jack Kingston, and Sheila Jackson-Lee.

Now serving in his sixth full-term, Meeks was elected to the House on February 3, 1998. Representing New York's Sixth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, Meeks' district covers all towns of Southeast Queens, Far Rockaway and Howard Beach. He is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Congressman Meeks is the Chairman of the International Monetary Policy & Trade Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee. He is a Member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), New Democrats Coalition and the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC). He serves as the Co-chair of the Malaysia Caucus, Services Caucus, Dialogue Caucus, OAS Caucus and the Middle East Economic Partnership Caucus.