Bush orders agencies to cut energy use by 10 percent

President Bush Thursday took steps to alleviate the power crisis in California and other western states by ordering federal agencies to reduce the amount of electricity they use. Bush called on the agencies to "set a good example of conservation" by reducing energy consumption in federal buildings by as much as 10 percent during peak demand periods, particularly in areas prone to power shortages. "Such conservation would save public money, protect the environment and help minimize shortages," said Bush. Federal facilities in California were instructed to set their thermostats to 78 degrees and turn lights and escalators off during peak hours. Agencies must report to Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham on their energy conservation plans in 30 days. Abraham and Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz joined Bush for the announcement. Wolfowitz said the Defense Department aims to reduce electricity by 10 percent this summer and 15 percent next summer, making more than 200 megawatts of additional power available to other customers in the western power grid.

Defense will also allocate $32 million this year and $19 million in fiscal 2002 toward energy reduction and energy efficiency investments, including lighting upgrades and improved heating and air conditioning systems. The Defense Department consumes about 1 percent of the electricity available during California's peak hours. Bush said Defense could conserve energy without sacrificing military readiness. Abraham traveled to California Thursday to meet with Gov. Gray Davis and representatives from all federal agencies in the state to discuss the power crisis and the administration's conservation initiative.