A. Jo Baylor, HUD Assistant Deputy Secretary for Field Policy and Management, joined Paterson Mayor Jose "Joey" Torres and leaders from the Paterson Housing Authority and local private and nonprofit organizations to promote Energy Efficiency and Conservation as part of the Energy Star Change a Light, Change the World Campaign.

From Left to Right, Regional Director Sean Moss, Newark Office Director Diane Johnson, Assistant Deputy Secretary A. Jo Baylor, Smoot Village resident Shirley McIntyre-Smith, Mayor Jose "Joey" Torres, Councilman Anthony Davis and developer Israel Roizman.

Lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of electricity costs, and by changing from incandescent light bulbs to Energy Star labeled bulbs, consumers can save up to $25 over the lifetime of one bulb. The event on October 4, 2006 was held at the Smoot Village HOPE VI site, an affordable housing development that includes many energy saving features.

Ms. Baylor was introduced by Sean Moss, HUD's Regional Director for New York and New Jersey. Ms. Baylor spoke about the economic and environmental benefits of switching to Energy Star labeled light bulbs.

Mayor Torres stated "The use of energy efficient-products can improve the quality of life for all Paterson residents. As demonstrated by the near-zero energy house recently completed in the City, much can be done to lower our utility bills, and energy-efficient housing will be an important part of the redevelopment of Paterson."

The residents who attended the ceremony were given energy efficient light bulbs by the Paterson Housing Authority. After the speeches, the event moved from the Community Center to an apartment in Smoot Village, where Ms. Baylor, Mayor Torres and HUD Newark Office Director Diane Johnson each installed an Energy Star light bulb.