October is Energy Awareness Month Published Oct. 14, 2008 By William Bailey IAP Hanscom Air Force Base Energy Manager HANSCOM AFB, Mass. -- Since President George Bush proclaimed October as Energy Awareness Month in 1991, the U.S. Department of Energy has been conducting energy awareness campaigns promoting efficient use of our nation's energy. A focus of the campaigns is conservative energy use at federal facilities. As the single largest domestic user of energy, the federal government spends more than $9 billion to power its vehicles, operations, and approximately 500,000 facilities throughout the United States. Efficient energy management at federal facilities: · Saves taxpayer dollars · Reduces greenhouse gas emissions · Protects the environment and natural resources · Contributes to our national security Regulations like the Energy Policy Act of 2005 require federal agencies to meet a number of energy and water management goals. Other Presidential Executive Orders and Directives reflect President Bush's 2001 memorandum stating, "The federal government should set a good example of conservation by reducing its own energy use." Throughout Oct., the Civil Engineering Energy manager will be distributing energy saving tips via handouts, newsletters, emails and other means. Posters carrying energy-saving reminders will be displayed in hallways and other high traffic areas. For ideas and activities promoting energy savings go to www.energystar.gov. For more information on educating federal personnel about saving energy go to www1.eere.energy.gov.