Kentucky Residents Will Celebrate Earth Day on April 22

On February 2^nd, Governor Ernie Fletcher announced a $12,500 award from the Governor's Office of Energy Policy (GOEP) to support Earth Day 2007 activities, including the ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World campaign. Kentuckians will join in the world celebration of Earth Day on Sunday, April 22.

In the U.S., Earth Day began in 1970 as a designated holiday to take action to protect our planet and preserve our resources. Over the last three decades since Earth Day began, the nation's air is measurably cleaner. According to reports on Earthday.gov, The Portal for U.S. Government Events and Information, total emissions of six principal air pollutants have decreased by 54 percent and the trend of annual loss of wetlands has been reversed.

The ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World promotion is a national campaign that asks people to take a pledge to replace one incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). CFLs use at least 2/3 less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. Combining Earth Day and ENERGY STAR gives all Kentuckians an individual action they can take that can help the environment.

"Taking the ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World pledge gives all Kentuckians the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our efforts to protect the environment," said Governor Fletcher. "Changing just one light to an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save on energy costs."

In addition to replacing one incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb, Kentuckians are encouraged to participate by taking action in their homes, backyards, businesses, communities, and on the farm. Suggestions for involvement can be found on the Kentucky Earth Day web site www.earthday.ky.gov

School administrations are also being encouraged to celebrate Earth Day in the classroom, this year, by having students participate in in-school, after school, and home programs and events. Ideas for activities and games can be found on the Kentucky Earth Day eeb site www.earthday.ky.gov

Businesses may become Earth Day partners, by joining the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet in the Earth Day celebration efforts and taking the ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World pledge. Earth Day partners can help in a variety of ways by spreading the word about the Earth Day efforts, including displaying the Earth Day logo. Interested parties should contact Elizabeth Robb elizabeth.robb@ky.gov for more information.

To learn more about Kentucky's Earth day celebration, visit www.earthday.ky.gov. To learn more about U.S. participation in Earth Day and on-going initiatives, visit www.earthday.gov