Earth Day 2009
New Energy for America

Earth Day is this Wednesday, April 22. The 2009 Earth Day theme is New Energy for America. This theme is intended to "showcase the potential and importance of New Energy for America as a means to stimulate our economy, protect the environment, and increase energy independence." Energy efficiency is an integral part of this "New Energy" and is in fact the easiest, quickest and cleanest option to lower electric bills, help the environment and promote our state and nation’s energy independence. Stay tuned for more information on energy efficiency news throughout this important week.

Make Earth Day the Day You Start Changing Your Energy Habits

Link to quick tips to learn how you can start conserving energy today.
Link to the TexasIsHot energy calculators to see how much you will save by using less energy.

Earth Day History

Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22nd since 1970. Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, proposed the first nationwide environmental protest "to shake up the political establishment and force this issue onto the national agenda. " "It was a gamble," he recalls, "but it worked." The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts. Sen. Nelson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- the highest honor given to civilians in the United States -- for his role as Earth Day founder. Learn more.

Earth Day In the News

TXU Energy Launches Energy Efficiency Reality Contest
The TXU Energy Power Saver Challenge 2 winner will receive a $25,000 Grand Prize. This year's second and third place winners will also receive cash prizes. This unique reality contest is designed to motivate Texans to share new ways to use less energy and save money on their electric bill. "TXU Energy is committed to helping Texans use less energy so they can save money on their monthly electric bill," said Jim Burke, CEO of TXU Energy. "This contest is a fun and innovative way to help our customers accomplish that by making energy efficiency habits part of their everyday lives." KWTX – News 10 This Morning, April 2009

Entergy Celebrates Earth Day With Grants to Environmental Projects
In celebration of Earth Day 2003, the company is awarding nearly $250,000 in Environmental Stewardship grants. This year marks the fourth year the company has sponsored the Environmental Stewardship Grants Program, which provides grants to community-based projects designed to enhance or preserve the environment. Release, April 22, 2009

Happy Earth Day, Now Turn Off Your PC
Earth Day is a good time to look at the way electronics are using and wasting energy. Among the culprits are devices that suck power while not in use. I'm not sure how they arrived at this figure, but the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that, "in the average home, 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off." CBS News, April 21, 2009

North Texas rolls out the green carpet for Earth Day celebrations
Learn more about green products, get ideas for green living and talk to experts at the third annual event at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Presented by TXU Energy, the festival will include vendors showcasing eco-friendly products and services, live entertainment, chances to check out the 2010 Toyota Prius, children's activities and a petting zoo. Dallas Morning News, April 20, 2009

In 2009, Earth Day is for everybody, every day
Since the first Earth Day in 1970, environmental consciousness has become part of the economic and political mainstream...it's no longer an issue of liberal versus conservative...It's a mainstream issue. USA Today, April 20, 2009

Small steps you can take to save the world on Earth Day
Replace your old incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones. Phasing old bulbs out by 2030 would avoid the release of 700 million tons of carbon into the atmosphere each year. The small, spiral-shaped CFLs use less than one-third of the energy of regular bulbs and last 10 times longer. Some economists say that if every American household replaced just one regular bulb with a CFL, the amount of energy saved could light 2.5 million homes for a year. Waco Tribune, April 19, 2009

Oncor launches conservation campaign at Dallas EarthFest
This summer, Oncor will drive its yellow “Take A Load Off” van to sites across the state to educate people about ways to increase their energy efficiency. The company’s campaign includes a new texting game, "Are You Energy Smart,” which is designed to teach energy efficiency to middle-school students By the end of the year, the campaign will have reached 45 communities statewide. Dallas Business Journal, April 17, 2009

Every day can be Earth Day
It doesn't take much effort to make a difference. The older I get, the more I find myself turning off lights that are not being used. I no longer allow water to run in my bathroom sink while I'm brushing my teeth. Dallas Morning News, April 15, 2009