U.S. Representative Spencer Bachus offers remarks during kick-off of Alabama Change a Light, Change the World campaign. Representative Bachus noted that Energy Star light bulbs being proposed for use as part of the campaign will save the average household in excess of $50 per bulb. He also noted that by reducing energy usage we can reduce America's dependency on foreign oil.

On October 4, 2006, the Birmingham Field Office, with U.S. Representative Spencer Bachus, Spring Gardens Apartments, Alabama Power Company and other affordable housing providers kicked off the Energy Star® Change a Light, Change the World campaign for the State of Alabama. The campaign kick-off at Spring Gardens Apartments in Tarrant, Alabama, where Eric Q. Strong, CEO of Jefferson County Assisted Housing Corporation announced that the complex would be replacing exterior light porch fixtures at 100 units of this complex. Spring Gardens will install Energy Star rated bulbs in each new fixture. Karen Clifton of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs presented a proclamation by Governor Bob Riley proclaiming October 4, 2006 as Change a Light, Change the World Day in Alabama.

Eric Strong, CEO of Jefferson County Assisted Housing Corporation (JCAHC) announces that JCAHC will be replacing 100 fixtures and light bulbs at Spring Gardens Apartments.

As part of this national movement, the Birmingham HUD office has volunteered to encourage individuals, apartment owners, management agents, public housing directors and nonprofits to pledge to replace at least one incandescent bulb or fixture that has earned the government's ENERGY STAR® label - as a first step to preserve our energy resources and environment. 100 pledges could save 141,000 kWh of energy and prevent 223,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

"Like many organizations, we want to do our part to create a better environment," said Cindy Yarbrough, Field Office Director of the HUD Office. "Participating in this national campaign is both easy and effective. We are proud to spread the word about the simple steps individuals in our community can take to make a difference."

The ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge is already having a dramatic impact. Individuals who pledged to change a light in 2005 alone have the potential to save more than $2 million in energy costs and prevent more than 33 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions!

The ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World campaign is a national challenge sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, to encourage Americans to consider the energy they use and to switch to light bulbs and fixtures that have earned the government's ENERGY STAR for energy efficiency.

With electric meters showing in background, Birmingham Field Office Director, Cindy Yarbrough talks about the impact of Energy Star bulbs with a Spring Gardens resident whose light bulbs were changed.

Onlookers watch as the first of 100 light Fixtures are replaced.