Wednesday, April 14, 1999
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., 311 Cannon House Office Building

You are invited to a briefing on the Energy Star programs, a highly successful cooperative arrangement between the federal government and other public and private entities to reduce energy consumption and thereby save money, reduce pollution, and help diminish US dependence on foreign oil. These voluntary programs have been well received by both environmental interests and private sector companies as it creates a "win-win" solution. This briefing is particularly timely as Congress will be making decisions about budget and appropriations and other legislative matters relating to energy and the environment and the role of the federal government.

The Energy Star programs, started in 1991 by EPA, are innovative, voluntary partnerships with US companies, state/local governments, and organizations to increase the energy efficiency of buildings, homes and appliances. Working voluntarily with US businesses, both large and small, Energy Star has helped spur investments of more than $2 billion in more energy efficient technologies and energy bill savings of over $7 billion. This more efficient use of energy simultaneously prevents millions of tons of pollution- pollution associated with acid rain, urban smog and greenhouse gas emissions.

We invite you to hear first-hand from our panel, whose members have partnered with EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. In their remarks they will discuss:

• Why did these organizations partner with EPA?

• How has being part of the Energy Star programs changed the way they do business?

• What have they accomplished?

Speakers:

• Fred C. Schoeneborn, Manager, Global Energy Management, Mobil;

• Doug Ringger, Director of Product Planning for Maytag Appliances, Maytag Corporation

• Jeff Westhoven, Energy Coordinator, Office of Energy Services, State of Ohio

• Kathleen Hogan, Director, Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The role of energy efficiency technologies in reducing criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions is very significant. Best of all, these technologies are cost effective and they are available today.

Did you know?

• The energy used in the average house contributes more greenhouse gas emissions than theaverage car.

• The energy used to support the activities of just one office worker for one day causes over twice the pollution as driving to work.

• More than 30 percent of the energy required to run our homes, offices and schools can be saved profitably, easily and with no sacrifice in quality.

• Eliminating this waste amounts to over $230 billion in energy savings for homeowners and commercial buildings by 2010.

The briefing is open to the public and requires no reservation. For more information, call Claire Suen at (202)662-1893 or Carol Werner at (202)662-1881.