Go Dark Tonight for Earth Hour

The Cats aren't playing Michigan until Sunday night, so you won't miss anything.

For the sixth straight year, the Capitol campus will go dark in support of “Earth Hour,” an international environmental campaign sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund.

Both Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear support lights out as a way for state government to join people all over the world in a stand for energy savings and the global environment.

“In support of Earth Hour, the Capitol dome light and other lights on the Capitol campus will be turned off,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is one small way we can show our support. We are proud of the many state government programs and efforts that support the environment every day – from energy management to recycling to integrating electric vehicles.”

On Saturday, March 29, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time, nonessential lights on the state Capitol campus will go dark. These include the Capitol Dome lights, and spotlights that illuminate the exterior Capitol walls, the Capitol Annex and the Governor’s Mansion.

“Everyone can take steps to reduce their impact on the environment,” said Mrs. Beshear. “I encourage all Kentuckians to turn off their lights in support of Earth Hour. Each of us can do small things everyday – such as ride a bike to work or set their home thermostat down while not at home. Small things add up.”

Gov. Beshear said nonessential lighting in other state facilities throughout Frankfort is managed on a daily basis, which saves money and energy while lessening state government’s carbon footprint.

Under Gov. Beshear, his administration has been reducing energy use in government buildings, which is a key part of “Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future.” This strategic blueprint set aggressive goals for state facilities to reduce their energy consumption by 15 percent by 2015 and 25 percent by 2025.  Beyond 2025, public facilities will reduce their carbon footprint by 50 percent.

“It is incumbent upon all of us to help protect the environment,” said Gov. Beshear. “That’s why my energy plan outlines how state government can implement saving measures and set an example for our citizens.”

Earth Hour began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia. Earth Hour has expanded to more than 7,000 cities and towns on all seven continents with hundreds of millions of participants across the world.

For more information about Earth Hour 2014, go to www.earthhour.org.