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For Immediate Release:
March 4, 2008 Rice Plan Urges Schools to Save Energy Costs, Consumption Oklahoma Public Schools will be encouraged to reduce electric energy consumption by five percent each year for six years under an amendment by State Senator Andrew Rice (D-OKC), which passed the Senate by a bipartisan voice vote today. Rice successfully amended a bill by Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson (S.B. 1951) that sets auditing standards for public schools. Rice’s amendment is similar to legislation he introduced earlier this year. State Rep. Tad Jones, R-Claremore, has introduced comparable legislation in the House. “Whether it’s changing to lower watt light bulbs or converting to energy efficient appliances, these are modest steps that our public schools can take to reduce energy consumption,” Rice said. “These measures can also help create more awareness among Oklahoma’s children and families about ways they can reduce energy consumption to save money and help the environment.” Rice stated during floor debate today that his amendment carries no penalties for non-compliance, but encourages each public school district to establish a goal to reduce the school district’s annual electric consumption by five percent each fiscal year for six years. The State Department of Education will report to the legislature and the Governor annually regarding energy conservation performance of school districts across the state. Rice said that choosing energy efficient products is “one of the smartest ways consumers can reduce energy use and help prevent greenhouse gas emissions.” For more information contact:
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