Cal/EPA New Release May 19, 2001: Governor Davis Kicks-Off Statewide “POWERWALK”

Governor Davis Kicks-Off Statewide “PowerWalk”
1.5 million compact fluorescent light bulb giveaway

LOS ANGELES-- Governor Gray Davis today announced the kick-off of “PowerWalk,” a program that is part of his comprehensive summertime conservation campaign.

Governor Davis, a chorus of elected officials, and members of the California Conservation Corps (CCC) in 11 different cities statewide, walked through working class neighborhoods, distributing compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs), and information on conservation measures for residential households.

“Some battles are fought and won in courtrooms, but this is a battle that will be won on the streets,” said Governor Davis. “We’re going street by street, door by door, in communities across California. We are putting power directly into the hands of Californians so they can fight back against unscrupulous generators.”

The PowerWalk was created when the Governor signed AB 29X (Kehoe) on April 11, 2001, and provided $20 million for the creation of the Mobile Efficiency Light Brigade (PowerWalk). The PowerWalk is being administered by the CCC, long known for working to protect and preserve the environment.

Today, over 1,300 dedicated CCC members will fan out across the state and over the course of the next 17 weeks of summer, will pass out all 1.5 million light bulbs to as many Californians as possible.

“1.5 million light bulbs means enough power for 100,000 homes and is equal to two average-sized California power plants,” Governor Davis said.

Selection of the communities was based on census data and information gathered by community-based organizations, which have also played a critical role in bringing the campaign to fruition. Over 375,000 households will receive CFLs before the end of the campaign, according to CCC estimates. Each household is eligible to receive up to 4 CFLs.

In San Diego Winston H. Hickox, Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency said, “This is part of California’s most important conservation effort this summer.

Replacing light bulbs with compact fluorescents will save California 100 megawatts. That will help with the electricity situation and it’s good for the environment. The PowerWalk is the newest chapter in the CCC’s history of helping Californians when we need them the most.”

In addition to today’s events in Los Angeles and San Diego, other kick-off events were held in: San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno, San Bernardino, Eureka, Redding, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Salinas.

The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see the Web site, www.flexyourpower.ca.gov

News Release C01-03