Nixon signs executive order to reduce energy consumption

Posted to Politics Watch by Josh Barone at 10:39 a.m., April 23, 2009

Gov. Jay Nixon signed an executive order this morning that will reduce energy consumption at all state agencies by two percent per year for 10 years. He made the announcement at the Missouri Energy Summit, held at Jesse Hall.

"We have a responsibility to set the example for state employees, businesses and citizens across the state," Nixon said in a news release from the governor's office. "This will be good for taxpayers and the environment, and lead the way toward a brighter, cleaner energy future for all of us."

The energy-saving measure, Nixon said, will save Missouri taxpayers $1 million in the first year. According to the news release, taxpayers spent $54.7 million on energy costs at state agencies last year.

Energy conservation will come from weatherization of buildings, replacement of energy-inefficient light, implementation of more efficient means of heating and cooling buildings and other measures, the news release stated.

Below is a press conference with Nixon held immediately after he announced the executive order.