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TALLAHASSEE – To encourage Floridians to conserve
energy, money as well as protect the environment,
Governor Jeb Bush signed a proclamation recognizing
today as “Change a Light Day.” Sponsored by the U.S.
Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Change a Light Day encourages Americans to
pledge to change one light in their home to an
energy-efficient, Energy Star™ product.
“Switching to energy-efficient lighting is an easy
step Floridians can take to conserve our energy
resources, protect our environment and save money on
electricity bills,” said Department of Environmental
Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “During the
upcoming Energy Efficient Week, Floridians can take
advantage of sales tax relief by purchasing ENERGY STAR™
products and appliances, including light bulbs.”
Florida joins the federal government and states
across the country to celebrate "Change a Light Day,"
calling attention to the importance of using energy
wisely at home. This month is the official kickoff of
the national Energy Star Change a Light, Change the
World educational campaign, encouraging Americans to
take a simple action to help preserve energy resources
and protect the environment – switch to energy-efficient
lighting. The national educational campaign is run in
partnership with hundreds of retail stores,
manufacturers, energy-efficiency organizations and state
governments.
Using energy-efficient lighting products reduces
energy consumption, generates less air pollution and
reduces electrical bills. If every household in Florida
changed just one light to an Energy Star™ product,
savings would total more than $33 million in energy
costs annually. Florida would also reduce the amount of
carbon dioxide going into the air each year by 555
million pounds.
A government-backed program, Energy Star™ helps
businesses and consumers identify energy-efficient
products and conservation measures for homes and
offices. Lighting with the Energy Star™ label uses
one-third of the energy of standard lighting products
and lasts up to ten times longer. Light fixtures or
bulbs that have earned the Energy Star™ label prevent
greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy
efficiency criteria set by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.
To take the "Change a Light Day" pledge, visit
http://www.energystar.gov/. For more information on
energy in Florida, visit
www.floridaenergy.org. To view the Governor’s
proclamation, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/news/2006/proc/changealight.pdf.
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