Contact: Linda Stone Mary Meek

Metropolitan Partnership for Energy KGBTexas Public Relations

(210) 224-7278 (210) 826-8899

SAN ANTONIO’S ENERGY WEEK CELEBRATION INCLUDES YOUTH EDUCATION

7^th Annual Texas Recycles and Energy Fair held at Rosedale Park

SAN ANTONIO, TX (November 20, 2002) – Local elementary and middle school students learned the basics of renewable energy and conservation at the 7^th Annual Texas Recycles and Energy Fair. The educational event, held at Rosedale Park, was sponsored by the Metropolitan Partnership for Energy (MPE), Keep San Antonio Beautiful, Inc. and the City of San Antonio.

“It is essential to teach our children the value of our resources including energy,” said Linda Stone, Executive Director of MPE. “If they learn the importance of conservation and sustainable energy as young people, it is more likely they will be responsible environmental stewards as adults.”

Mayor Ed Garza led a proclamation in the City Council Chambers on November 14^th declaring November 18-22, 2002 “Energy Awareness Week.” The student energy fair was one activity in a week of events promoting alternative energy sources, energy conservation, green building initiatives, and the use of buses and carpools.

More than 500 students participated in the energy fair from local elementary and middle schools, and they were greeted at the event by the Abitibi Recycling mascot and Cody the Code Compliance mascot. Many booths provided interactive games for the students, including a recycling toss and fishing for pollution. This year a “Reuse Fashion Show” was introduced to the fair by the South San Antonio High School Interactive Club.

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Metropolitan Partnership for Energy

Texas Recycles & Energy Fair

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A number of local energy partners set up booths at the event including CPS Energy, San Antonio Water System, the Brooks Energy and Sustainability Lab, Solar San Antonio, VIA Metropolitan Transit, Alamo Area Council of Governments, and the State Energy Conservation Office. The students were sent home with bags full of promotional items and reminders on how they can do their part to care for the community.

MPE is a non-profit partnership between the City of San Antonio, CPS Energy, Bexar County, San Antonio Water System, Alamo Area Council of Governments, VIA Metropolitan Transit, Greater Bexar County Council of Cities, and Solar San Antonio. MPE was created following the passage of Texas Senate Bill 5 – the Texas Emissions Reduction Act – that calls on municipal facilities to reduce energy consumption by 5% a year for five years. The bill also calls for compliance with the latest energy efficient building codes for residential and commercial construction.

The group works with local government to implement energy and emissions reduction policies including increased recycling, more renewable energy use, adoption of resource efficient building standards, reduction of urban heat islands, environmental purchasing and alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle use. MPE monitors the state legislature, following energy-related bills and making recommendations as appropriate.

MPE is also developing a local green building program with a focus on affordable housing and sustainable energy.

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