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Press Release
Bipartisan Earth Hour Resolution Introduced in Congress
Earth Hour Participants Send More than 90,000 Letters to Elected Leaders Urging Action on Climate Change
joe.pouliot@wwfus.org
(202) 495-4730
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2009 – U.S. Representatives Judy Biggert (R-Ill.) and John Barrow (D-Ga.) have introduced a congressional resolution that recognizes the power of Earth Hour to mobilize public opinion on the critical issue of climate change and affirms Congress’s support of the unprecedented global event.
By turning off their lights for one hour, people across America and around the world will send a powerful, visual message to world leaders that they want action on climate change. Earth Hour is also galvanizing the public to get more actively engaged in efforts to secure climate legislation in the U.S. and a new global climate treaty. More than 90,000 letters urging action on climate change have been sent by Earth Hour supporters to their elected representatives at the local, state and national levels.
“Earth Hour is an unprecedented global vote for the future of our planet,” said Dr. Richard H. Moss, vice president for climate change at World Wildlife Fund, which is organizing Earth Hour. “From Indiana to Indonesia, people around the world are getting engaged, making their voices heard and telling their leaders that they want action on climate change.
“I applaud Congresswoman Biggert and Congressman Barrow for recognizing the important role of Earth Hour in engaging the public and elevating the issue of climate change on the political agenda.”
“Earth Hour is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the need for clean, renewable energy alternatives,” said Biggert, a senior member of the House Science and Technology Committee. “Our environment and economic prosperity depend on our reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources. That's why it's so important to promote research and development on alternatives like hydrogen, geothermal, and clean coal technologies.”
Congressman Barrow added: “This is a great example of how a relatively easy act for one family, turning off the lights, multiplied by millions worldwide, can have a positive impact by raising awareness about climate change. Maybe it’ll also remind folks to turn off lights in their houses when they leave a room or go out for the day, which is good for the environment, and good for the electric bill!”
Nearly 300 U.S. cities will join more than 3,500 globally in turning out their lights tomorrow from 8:30 to 9:30 pm for Earth Hour. Major landmarks going dark include European Union headquarters in Brussels, United Nations headquarters in New York, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Birds Nest Stadium in Beijing, Great Pyramids of Giza, Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City, National Cathedral in Washington, Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and state capitol domes in Pennsylvania, Arkansas and New Mexico.
About World Wildlife Fund and Earth Hour
Earth Hour (www.EarthHourUS.org) is a global initiative of WWF in which millions of people around the world will cast a vote in favor of action on climate change by turning off their lights for one hour on March 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm local time. By voting with their light switches, Earth Hour participants will send a powerful, visual message to their leaders demanding immediate action on climate change. WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, stop the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more.
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