Governor Beebe's Weekly cColumn and Radio Address: Energy-Efficient Government

Statement

Governor Beebe's Weekly cColumn and Radio Address: Energy-Efficient Government

Lately, Arkansans are paying more attention to energy conservation and to the simple steps they can take at home to save money on utility bills. Our Public Service Commission, working with the utility companies that serve Arkansas customers, has launched a new Web site and public-service announcements to remind consumers of the opportunities available to become more energy-efficient. Arkansans can now find free tips on energy efficiency at tightenuparkansas.org.

Arkansas State government is renewing our commitment to lead by example in the area of energy conservation by taking steps that will reduce the impact of State government on the environment and will save Arkansas taxpayers money at the same time.

I have issued an Executive Order to Arkansas State agencies directing them to produce energy-savings plans by the end of October. Our agencies come in all shapes and sizes, and this is a prime opportunity to see some innovative ideas emerge. Simple steps, like changing nighttime computer settings, expanding margins on printed paper, and reducing the loads on electrical outlets, can lead to substantial savings when implemented throughout an agency or, indeed, throughout State government.

Along with these energy plans, we are establishing a fund to focus on capital projects that increase the energy efficiency of State buildings - projects which, over time, will pay for themselves. State agencies will draw from this revolving-loan fund to cover initial costs, whether for updating heating and air-conditioning units, installing energy-efficient windows and weatherstripping, or other building renovations.

The loans will then be repaid by the cost savings created by those greener, energy-efficient measures, replenishing the fund for future use. Established through State surplus funds and federal stimulus money, this fund could potentially sustain itself for decades to come.

Wal-Mart, working in conjunction with the National Governor's Association, recently completed an energy audit of the Arkansas State Capitol and the nearby "Big Mac" building, revealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential savings in those two buildings alone. We are also working to obtain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification for the Governor's Mansion, and our Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality is already a LEED-certified State agency.

None of these proposals are radical ideas; they are all based on common sense with the potential to expand in many directions through innovative thinking. Arkansas State government currently spends millions a year on utilities. Reducing our energy use by 15 or 20 percent could free-up significant taxpayer funds to be spent on providing state services instead of on utility bills. It's good for our economy, good for our environment, and it helps our national security interests. But above all, it will make us better stewards of the money you've entrusted to us and expect us to spend wisely.

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