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Energy Star MOU Signing, San Juan, Puerto Rico

12/12/2002
Remarks of Governor Christine Todd Whitman
Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
at the
Energy Star MOU Signing
San Juan, Puerto Rico

December 12, 2002


Thank you. I = m pleased to be here today in San Juan and to have the opportunity to join with Mayor (Jorge) Santini to promote EPA = s Energy Star program.

Energy Star is a voluntary program that provides government agencies, businesses, schools, and consumers with the information they need to choose products that save energy, save money and protect the environment.

Currently, there are more than 13,000 Energy Star products in over 35 product categories, ranging from televisions and telephones to computers and air conditioners.

As a voluntary program, we work hard to educate consumers and other organizations about the difference choosing Energy Star can make.

Last year alone, Americans B with the help of ENERGY STAR B saved $6 billion dollars on their energy bills, saved enough energy to power 10 million homes, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 12 million cars off the road.

As you can see, buying Energy Star products is not only good for your wallet, but for the environment as well.

With the Christmas season upon us, there are hundreds of home electronic products you may be thinking about buying for your loved ones, and many of them from televisions to DVD players to radios carry the Energy Star label.

Mayor Santini and I have spent some time in the mall this morning highlighting the galaxy of Energy Star products from which to choose.

Consumer electronics are one of the largest and fastest growing users of energy, and by 2015 will be responsible for almost 40% of all household energy use.

Encouraging Energy Star buying practices now will help ensure that as our energy use increases, our energy bills won = t go through the roof and the health of our environment won = t be harmed.

The success of Energy Star depends on the support of dedicated partners, such as Mayor Santini, who are willing to work together to promote energy efficiency and protect the environment.

I = m pleased to announce that Mayor Santini and I will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding promoting the purchase of Energy Star products throughout the offices and facilities of the San Juan government.

I want to thank Mayor Santini for his commitment to the Energy Star program and his leadership on this issue.

Our efforts today will lead to a healthier environment for this and future generations of Puerto Ricans. Muchas Gracias.