Pennsylvania State Capitol Dome to Briefly Go Dark on March 27 for 'Earth Hour'

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The lights of the state Capitol Building's dome will go dark for one hour beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, in observance of Earth Hour 2010 – a global initiative designed to draw attention to the need to conserve energy and address climate change.

"Governor Rendell has pledged Pennsylvania's participation in this global initiative, and has directed that we turn off the exterior lights on the Capitol Dome for 60 minutes on Saturday evening to show our support for Earth Hour," said Department of General Services Secretary James P. Creedon.

Earth Hour 2010 is a global event organized by the World Wildlife Fund. By turning off lights for one hour at the designated time, individuals, businesses, governments and communities will show their support for the need to take action on climate change.

At Governor Rendell's direction, the Department of General Services has led an energy-saving campaign throughout the state Capitol Complex buildings, including replacing incandescent lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting.

Pennsylvania state government has made significant strides to conserve energy and reduce its carbon footprint. Energy consumption in state office buildings has been reduced by 20 percent since Governor Rendell first took office, saving taxpayers $2.4 million annually. Also, Pennsylvania now purchases 40 percent of its energy from renewable sources, such as wind and biomass.

"Pennsylvania is a leader when it comes to conserving energy in state office buildings as well as in its purchase of green energy," Creedon said. "We will do all that we can to further reduce our energy consumption and protect the environment by reducing harmful emissions."

For more information on Earth Hour, visit www.myearthhour.org. To visit the Department of General Services online, go to www.dgs.state.pa.us.

Editor's Note: A photo of the Capitol dome at dusk is available at this link: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_409570_0_0_18/Capitol%20Dome_Full%20Size.jpg.

Media contact: Ed Myslewicz, 717-787-3197

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of General Services

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