(Columbia)-- The U.S. Department of Energy and the South Carolina Energy Office are celebrating the 27th annual “October Is Energy Awareness Month” campaign. The goal of Energy Awareness Month is to promote a greater public understanding and awareness of energy sources, how they can be used wisely and effectively, and the importance of energy to the economic prosperity and future of the United States and South Carolina. The 2006 theme, Energy Independence Depends on US-Choose Wisely, Use Wisely compels us to consider how energy choices impact our national energy security situation.
Energy Independence Depends on US - Choose Wisely, Use Wisely continues and reinforces the National Energy Policy, wherein the President directs heads of executive departments and federal agencies to conserve energy use at their facilities “to the maximum extent consistent with the effective discharge of public responsibilities.”
Both the private and public sectors need to take more rapid action to become energy efficient. Collectively, all of us - the government, the private sector, and the general public - have the means to help control our energy destiny and move toward energy independence and energy security.
Each day, South Carolinians depend on the benefits of energy, usually without considering the role that energy plays in our quality of life. Every aspect of our lives and those of our children and future generations is affected by the energy choices and decisions we make today. This could mean choosing an energy-efficient appliance for a home or business; comparing the energy requirements of various models when replacing personal or company-owned vehicles; having a local utility do an energy audit on your home; using mass transportation; investing in energy-efficient heating, cooling, and lighting systems; or simply turning off lights and equipment when not needed.
South Carolina is a growing state. As our economy has developed, so too have our energy needs. South Carolinians spend about $15 billion on energy each year. Because we produce no uranium, no coal, no oil, and no natural gas, approximately 85 percent of this amount, or about $12.75 billion, directly leaves the state’s economy.
The U.S. Department of Energy and the South Carolina Energy Office encourage organizations to become involved in this year’s observance by sponsoring or participating in activities to promote energy awareness. With everybody’s help, our fellow citizens, coworkers, and communities will focus on the importance of energy in today’s world and our responsibility to ensure that tomorrow’s energy needs are met.