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MAJOR PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES CHANGE TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY THROUGH ENERGY STAR

Release Date: 11/08/2001
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En Español: "WHITMAN PRESENTA CAMPAÑA PUBLICA PARA ESTIMULAR EL USO EFICIENTE DE LA ENERGIA A TRAVES DE ENERGY STAR™"

Environmental News

EPA Administrator Christie Whitman today unveiled a new public awareness campaign calling on Americans to protect our environment for future generations by changing to energy efficient products and practices. The new ENERGY STAR™ campaign, “Change,” educates consumers and businesses about ways they can achieve energy efficiency, save money and help protect the environment.

ENERGY STAR™ offers consumers and businesses recommendations on how to improve their energy efficiency. The two-year campaign includes television, radio and print public service announcements that emphasize specific actions consumers and businesses can take to use energy more efficiently.

“ENERGY STAR™ is a great way for each of us to make a change — one that will protect the environment, save money and achieve energy efficiency,” said EPA Administrator Whitman. “The best part is that we can each contribute to these important goals while not giving up quality. As a government official, I recently unveiled new energy efficient lighting at the Jefferson Memorial here in Washington. I am changing the light bulbs in my home to those with the ENERGY STAR™ label. I encourage all Americans to follow our recommendations for energy efficiency and join our campaign for change.”

The PSAs will be sent to top media markets around the country and over 5,000 daily and weekly newspapers. In addition, the campaign will reach out to Americans through national consumer and trade magazines and national and regional business publications. The campaign also features radio spots in English and Spanish. In an effort to underscore the importance of this national initiative, Whitman will participate in events throughout November to highlight “Change” and the more than 7,000 participating ENERGY STAR™ partners across the country.

To kick-off the new campaign, ENERGY STAR™ is releasing five energy efficiency tips for consumers, businesses and homeowners:

1. Change a Light. Replace your five most frequently used light bulbs with products that have earned the ENERGY STAR™.
2. Heat and Cool Smartly. Have your system checked annually and install an ENERGY STAR™ labeled programmable thermostat so that you are not paying to heat or cool your house while you are not at home.
3. Seal it up. Keep warm air in and big energy bills out by following ENERGY STAR™ Home Sealing recommendations for adding insulation to your home, weatherstripping and caulking around doors and windows.
4. Put your home to the test. Find out where your home has room for improvement with the ENERGY STAR™ Home Improvement Toolbox at: https://www.epa.gov/hhiptool/
5. Look for the ENERGY STAR™ . When you are purchasing electronics, appliances, office equipment, or even a new home – always look for the ENERGY STAR™ label of energy efficiency.

In 2000 alone, ENERGY STAR™ helped save enough energy to power 10 million homes and reduced air pollution equivalent to taking 10 million cars off the road. While accomplishing this for the environment, the program also saved Americans more than $5 billion on their energy bills without sacrificing product features or personal comfort.

As part of his National Energy Plan, President Bush called for increased public awareness of the ENERGY STAR™ program and its benefits to consumers and businesses. The President also called for the expansion of the program to provide the label for additional building types including grocery stores, hospitals and hotels.

ENERGY STAR™, the national symbol for energy efficiency, was established in 1992 by EPA. With help from the U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR™ is empowering consumers and businesses to protect the environment through energy efficiency. For more information about ENERGY STAR™, go to: http://www.energystar.gov or call 1-888-STAR-YES.


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