SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 394 Offered January 10, 2007 Prefiled January 10, 2007 Designating the first week of October, in 2007 and in each succeeding year, "Energy Conservation Awareness Week" in Virginia. ---------- Patron-- Watkins ---------- Referred to Committee on Rules ----------

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the nation and the Commonwealth to encourage the efficient use of energy; and

WHEREAS, the average home causes more air pollution than the average car; and

WHEREAS, the average American household spends approximately $1,300 per year on energy costs; and

WHEREAS, buying energy efficient products is one of the easiest and smartest ways for Virginians to reduce energy use, help prevent air pollution, and save money; and

WHEREAS, making energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill–with similar savings on greenhouse gas emissions–and without sacrificing features, style, or comfort; and 

WHEREAS, ENERGY STAR, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helps us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices; and

WHEREAS, through its partnerships with more than 8,000 private and public sector organizations, ENERGY STAR has successfully delivered energy and cost savings across the country, saving businesses, organizations, and consumers about $12 billion in 2005 alone; and

WHEREAS, as energy prices have become a hot news topic and a major concern for consumers, ENERGY STAR continues to provide a trustworthy label on products that deliver the same or better performance as comparable models while using less energy and saving money; and

WHEREAS, raising public awareness of energy efficiency and ENERGY STAR products will result in additional families taking action to conserve energy; and

WHEREAS, October is nationally designated as Energy Awareness Month; now therefore be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby designate the first week of October, in 2007 and in each succeeding year, as "Energy Conservation Awareness Week" in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Clerk of the Senate post the designation of the first week in October as "Energy Conservation Awareness Week" on the General Assembly’s website; and be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the General Assembly urges the citizens of the Commonwealth to start conserving energy in their homes by using ENERGY STAR products, which not only reduces energy bills, but improves our environment by reducing pollution.