Governor Barbour Proclaims October "Energy Awareness Month"
Contact: Angelica Rawls, Energy Division 601.359.6600
Jackson, Miss. (October 1, 2009) – Governor Haley Barbour has proclaimed October as Energy Awareness Month in the state of Mississippi. An official proclamation was presented to the Mississippi Development Authority's (MDA'S) Energy Division as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's October Energy Awareness Month Program, "A Sustainable Energy Future: Putting All the Pieces Together."
"Throughout the month of October and all year long, Mississippi residents and business consumers can benefit from energy and cost saving steps like switching off unnecessary lights and equipment, using efficient ENERGY STAR® products and compact fluorescent light bulbs and driving fuel-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles," said Governor Barbour. "Working with the U.S. Department of Energy's ENERGY STAR™ program to increase awareness and promote energy efficiency is an important step in the process."
MDA's Energy Division, along with energy partners across the state, will sponsor a variety of activities and educational programs to foster increased awareness of energy's role in Mississippi's economy. In addition to energy-saving tips published in newspapers and online at www.mississippi.org, Energy will also host a variety of activities throughout the month:
- Renewable Energy Day – October 2
- Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR Campaign – October 7
- Stennis Space Center Energy Awareness Day – October 20
- Performance Contracting Seminar – October 23
- Utilizing Renewable Energy Seminar – October 28
"Energy resources are vital to the economic prosperity of Mississippi," said Gray Swoope, MDA’s Executive Director. "Energy Awareness Month is an important tool to educate consumers around the state and to help all of us become more conscious of our energy choices."
In 1981, the U.S. Department of Energy first sponsored American Energy Week and later extended the activities to a month-long awareness campaign in 1986. In 1991, then President George Bush proclaimed October to be Energy Awareness Month.
MDA's Energy Division oversees energy management programs for the state of Mississippi, working to ensure an environmentally acceptable, adequate and dependable supply of energy. The division administers programs that benefit homeowners, farmers, manufacturers, commercial businesses, fleet operators, local governments, state agencies and public institutions.
For a complete listing of the month's activities, contact the Energy Division at 601.359.6600 or energydiv@mississippi.org.
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About Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Development Authority is the State of Mississippi's lead economic and community development agency. More than 250 employees are engaged in providing services to businesses, communities and workers in the state. While the agency is best known for its efforts to recruit new businesses to Mississippi, the Authority provides services to promote tourism, help communities improve their quality of place, help existing employers identify and meet opportunities and challenges and help workers improve their skills – all with the goal of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of Mississippians. For more information, visit MDA's website at www.mississippi.org.
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