For Immediate Release 

March 27th, 2009

Oklahoma City (March 27, 2009) State Capitol – Though several Republican lawmakers have acknowledged the need for large changes when it comes to solving our energy crisis, one Democratic lawmaker noted that they have failed to “walk the walk” by refusing to hear even the simplest of solutions.

Last week, Rep. Ryan Kiesel introduced HR1025, a resolution directing all state agencies to participate in Earth Hour 2009.  Started in Australia in 2007, Earth Hour is a global effort to conserve energy and call for action on climate change, asking individuals, government entities and businesses to switch off their lights for one hour.  Earth Hour 2009 will take place March 28, beginning at 8:30 pm.

“My Republican colleagues are willing to talk big when it comes to energy policy, but they won’t follow through on their actions.  Earlier this year, Speaker Benge stated that we need an ‘all-of-the-above approach to energy in Oklahoma,’ but then he refuses to hear my resolution, which I think would qualify under that umbrella,” said Rep. Kiesel, D-Seminole.

Republican leadership failed to hear Rep. Kiesel’s resolution before the 2009 Earth Hour event.

“I suspect that some Republican legislators had a problem with this resolution because it acknowledges the existence of climate change – and I find that absurd,” he stated.

Rep. Kiesel stated that there is widespread consensus that man-made factors contribute to climate change, and that the “disingenuous” controversy perpetuated by those who deny the facts blocks real efforts to solve our energy problems.

“We’ve had time to hear dozens of resolutions that have no impact whatsoever on law or policy,” he said.  “We passed a resolution declaring Ronald Reagan Day and a bill proposing fines for cover bands.  Just yesterday we had a lovely performance of what now is the Oklahoma State Land Run Song, and passed a resolution to that effect.

“Yet we failed to make time for one resolution that would actually save the state money in utility costs,” Rep. Kiesel stated.

“Even though my resolution wasn’t heard, I still encourage all Oklahomans to switch off their lights during Earth Hour on Saturday.  This event is a wonderful way to help us all rethink how we use energy.  Conserving energy is never a bad idea – it’s good for our environment and for our pocketbooks.”

For more information on Earth Hour 2009, please visit www.earthhour.org.

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