WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) today announced that Durham company, Cree, has installed an energy efficient lighting system in the Rayburn House Office Building Cafeteria in Washington, DC. Last fall, Senator Hagan sent a letter to the Senate Rules Committee encouraging them to select Cree, a market-leading innovator of LED lighting, to outfit government buildings with LED technology. 

"I am thrilled that Cree, an outstanding North Carolina company, was selected to outfit the Rayburn House Office Building with this cutting-edge technology," said Hagan. "North Carolina is well-positioned to take advantage of new investments in clean, American power, and Cree is an excellent example of that innovation. I am working to ensure that our North Carolina creativity is translated into steady, good-paying jobs for North Carolina families."

The Rayburn building is the first government facility to take full advantage of the benefits of energy efficient LED lighting and advanced building controls. The new technology will translate into a nearly 80 percent energy savings, while improving the quality of the light in the room.

"The new Cree lighting in the Rayburn Cafeteria is another great example of the U.S. Government using energy-efficient LED technology to green the Capital," said Chuck Swoboda, Cree chairman and chief executive officer. "And we appreciate Senator Hagan's leadership in ensuring the federal government uses the most energy-efficient lighting technology for future projects which not only saves energy, but creates American jobs."

Cree, which employs roughly 1,900 North Carolinians, received a $39 million Advanced Energy Manufacturing Credit as a part of the Stimulus that Congress passed last year. Senator Hagan supported Cree's effort to obtain this credit, which allowed the company to lower LED lighting costs and begin construction on a new facility in Durham.