California Academy of Sciences

Floor Speech

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 28, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. NANCY PELOSI
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2008

* Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, I send the appreciation of the Congress to those who have given San Francisco, as well as the world, the magnificent gift of the new California Academy of Sciences as it opens on September 27, 2008.

* Generations of Bay Area residents have grown up with the Academy as a cultural treasure in Golden Gate Park, visiting as schoolchildren and then bringing their own children to this center of exploration and natural sciences education. Worn by earthquakes, age, and the love of so many children, its friends re-imagined the best possible version of this beloved institution.

* How fortunate are we all that the Academy's board and leadership secured the talent and vision of the brilliant Italian architect Renzo Piano, who transformed this noted science museum into an architectural triumph and forward-looking example of energy-efficient design. The Academy also benefited greatly from the crusading spirit of former executive director Pat Kociolek, whose enthusiasm for a 21st century natural history center became infectious.

* The California Academy of Sciences is home to the Steinhart Aquarium, Kimball Natural History Museum, Morrison Planetarium and world-class research and education programs. The magnificent new site boasts a four story living rainforest, an awe-inspiring corral reef ecosystem, a living roof of California native plants which is an engineering marvel of seven hills reflecting San Francisco's landscape. The Academy is committed to preserving natural habitats and protecting essential natural resources.

* San Francisco prides itself on being a model for the Nation, indeed the world, when it comes to preserving our beautiful planet for future generations. Therefore, it is fitting that the California Academy of Sciences will be the greenest nature museum in the world and stands with the deYoung to make Golden Gate Park a destination of world-class museums.

* This extraordinary renovation of the Academy benefited greatly from large private philanthropy, due in great part to the tireless work of the Academy's Board of Trustees, led by the task force of William Wilson, Martha Knopf, George Montgomery and Richard Bingham. the renovation also benefited from funding from the city and the state, and I am especially pleased my colleagues in Congress joined me to obtain $8 million in federal investment for this innovative project.

* My five children, like so many others, spent endless hours exploring the boundless treasures of the academy. Now this magnificent new building will inspire and educate scores of children, scientists and environmental leaders to explore and protect our natural world. I am proud to represent this world-class, eco-friendly institution, and look forward to introducing my grandchildren to its wonders.

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