Reprinted from the Journal News, Community View, April 29, 2003

There are many issues on which people differ; indeed debate and the expression of opposing views is the essence of the American way. But there is one issue on which all agree and on which it is incumbent upon all of us to become active- reducing energy demand.

Our Westchester community should be in the forefront in implementing the measures necessary to reduce energy demand. The local news has been dominated for many months by energy talk. Dozens of communities and political leaders have spoken out for the shut down of the Indian Point power plants citing the inherent dangers posed by the plants in this densely populated area. A vigorous public outcry confronted the proposed new Millennium Pipeline as its route damaged precious natural settings and posed new dangers. By taking action to reduce and manage our energy consumption and develop on site energy generation we can significantly reduce the energy demand to the grid which is supported by this centralized energy infrastructure and thus obviate our need for so many centralized energy facilities.

The need to take action has not only local but national and international dimensions. Global warming was recently recognized as a reality by the US Environmental Protection Agency. New York, with its population of 19,047,800 produces 34 times more CO2, a principal green house gas, than 97 developing countries put together, populated by 641,056,700 people. The use of energy in buildings alone results in the release of about 30% of the green house gases in the United States. This is a number over which we have control and on which we must take action if we are to avoid the specter of a world totally different from the one we know.

Finally, the events of the last weeks have highlighted this nation’s need to move away from reliance on foreign energy sources. As the United States Department Energy recently stated in its Strategic Plan: “an imbalance between domestic energy supply and domestic energy demand underlies our nation’s energy challenge…Ensuring that the supply- demand imbalance does not undermine our economy, our standard of living, or our national security is the fundamental energy challenge confronting our Nation.” We must assure that this shift is accomplished in a way that does not substitute other and perhaps even greater dangers. The Department of Energy outlines a series of steps to be implemented; one of the central recommendations is increasing the efficiency of buildings and appliances.

Our homes and buildings account for two thirds of the electricity use in the United States and an even higher percentage during periods of peak demand. Affordable and practical energy solutions, which reduce energy demand to the grid are available.

Energy efficiency measures and renewable energy sources that we can implement not only preserve our environment and enhance our safety, but the economic savings can be quite significant. For example:

§ The Kingston School District saved $1.7 million over 5 years through energy savings with behavioral training and energy related retrofits.

§ The City of White Plains is saving tens of thousands of dollars annually with new variable drive motors.

§ The Big Top Store in Hartsdale has cut its electricity bill in half and saved $30,000 with new lighting solutions.

§ A homeowner in Westchester installed solar panels on an existing home which provide 90% of his active household’s electricity needs. The unit will result in significant long term savings.

§ New homes and additions provide a special opportunity to implement green building design features that reduce energy demand and improve the health and comfort of your home.