State energy officials from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and officials from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will join other ENERGY STAR partners across the nation in bringing attention to the importance of using energy wisely.

DNR and HUD representatives will gather at the Christopher Inn Apartments, 2110 Royal Street, New Orleans, a residential facility for the elderly operated by the Archdiocese of New Orleans on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. to oversee the installation of compact fluorescent bulbs donated for every unit within the facility, totaling 144 units. The energy-efficient light bulbs were donated by the Baton Rouge Chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

In addition, Governor Kathleen Blanco has issued a proclamation declaring Wednesday, October 4th as ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day in Louisiana. This marks the second annual national ENERGY STAR event, with Louisiana participating for the first time since last year’s campaign was overshadowed by the state’s focus on hurricane recovery.

Sponsors of the campaign are HUD, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to ENERGY STAR statistics, if every Louisiana household changed one 75-watt incandescent bulb to an energy-saving compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb, the result would be nearly $50 million in annual savings.

DNR Secretary Scott Angelle said the DOE has set-up a website where Louisiana residents can go online and “make a pledge” to participate in energy conservation.  He said one simple act like changing a light in your home, can account for big results. Angelle said, “The Governor’s proclamation encourages all citizens to take an active role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.” Additionally, DNR State Energy Manager Paula Ridgeway said, “Nearly 20 percent of America’s residential electricity goes toward lighting, so by changing a bulb, it is one of the easiest ways for citizens to conserve plus show environmental stewardship.”

Ridgeway noted, too, that the Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church plan to participate in the nationwide event. Bishop William Hutchinson of the Conference has called for his clergy to take the pledge, which can be found at www.energystar.gov.  The bishop wants its churches and other facilities to use energy savings bulbs and ENERGY STAR products. Rev. Cory Sparks, who represents the church’s rebuilding programs for the National Council of Churches and Louisiana Interchurch Conference, is promoting the concept that churches across the country can reduce operating expenses by becoming more energy efficient, thus, putting more monies into ministries. “If every church in the conference changes one bulb, we can save more $15,000 dollars and reduce emissions by over 225,000 pounds. That is called good financial and environmental stewardship.” Sparks said.

“While there are multiple government agencies promoting the campaign, the entire month of October is being cited as Energy Awareness Month,” Ridgeway said. Business organizations, civic groups, non-profit, and large employee groups are also asked to inform their members of the take the pledge effort. DNR and the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are asking for 100 percent participation in the online pledge from their employees. DEQ Secretary Mike McDaniel remarked, “Campaigns such asChange a Light Day are important because they demonstrate the importance of conservation. The results are tangible and show that people can make a difference in their environment by making simple adjustments to their lifestyles.”

Related Documents:

• Program Agenda
• ENERGY STAR Products: Facts on Savings
• Statewide Radio Public Service Announcements [MP3 Format, 198 KB]

Related News Brief (ATTN Radio Stations):

• October 4th is National ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day