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EPA Launches New Campaign to Educate Kids on Fighting Climate Change

Washington, D.C. – April 16, 2009 – With Earth Day only a few days away, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is kicking off the 2009 “Change the World, Start with Energy Star” campaign to educate kids and their families about how to save money and fight climate change through energy efficiency.

“People of every age have a part to play in confronting climate change,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Using Energy Star to cut electricity usage and costs, and educating young people and their families to make a difference -- big or small -- is how we make real progress.”

As part of the campaign, people take the Energy Star pledge to take steps to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The pledge includes switching to more efficient lighting, choosing Energy Star when purchasing new products, sealing and insulating homes, and using power management features on home computers and monitors. These steps can add up to big reductions in greenhouse gas emissions because households and buildings – both commercial and industrial – account for more than half of the nation’s emissions of carbon dioxide due to the use of fossil-based electricity and other energy. If every American household took part in the Energy Star pledge, we would save more than $18 billion in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 18 million cars.

This year, EPA is partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Parent-Teacher Organizations Today to work with America’s youth in the fight against climate change. Boys & Girls Clubs of America will engage its young members in service projects to educate youth and their communities about the benefits of energy efficiency.

“As an organization with more than 4,300 community-based Clubs, we are genuinely concerned about the environment and our responsibility to preserve and protect it,” said Boys & Girls Club of America President/CEO Roxanne Spillett. “We look forward to working with EPA to educate and encourage the young people we serve to be more energy efficient and environmentally conscious, identifying ways they can make a difference in their respective communities.”

PTO Today will feature “Go Green Nights” for the nation’s parent-teacher organizations to engage youth and families in learning about energy efficiency and changes they can make in their homes and schools that will save energy and protect the environment.

“Protecting our environment and ensuring a healthy future is a passion for America’s school kids and their families”, said Tim Sullivan, founder & president, PTO Today. “On behalf of school Moms and Dads across the country, PTO Today is proud to partner with the EPA on Go Green Night. We’ll be bringing environmental education and Energy Star’s simple, practical environmental solutions to families in a fun atmosphere right at their local schools. It’s parent involvement at its best on a key 21st Century issue.”

To date, more than two million Americans have taken the Energy Star pledge, making real commitments to energy efficiency and the environment. More than 685 local and national organizations like the National Association of Counties, TIAA-CREF, ComEd, Georgia Power, and New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program are leading efforts to encourage their communities to take the pledge and do their part to protect the environment.

More information on the campaign visit http://www.energystar.gov/changetheworld.

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