Contact: Linda Stone Mary Meek

Metropolitan Partnership for Energy KGBTexas Public Relations

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

METROPOLITAN PARTNERSHIP FOR ENERGY TO BRING

EDUCATION AND GUIDELINES TO GREATER SAN ANTONIO AREA

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The Metropolitan Partnership for Energy (MPE), a newly organized non-profit, aims to improve San Antonio’s energy efficiency by providing the region with energy leadership, expertise and education. In response to population growth, increasing pollution, and the need for energy security, MPE promotes sound energy policy, renewable alternatives to fossil fuels and technical guidance.

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. Leading San Antonio’s effort is MPE’s Board Chairman, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff.

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. 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 also monitors the state legislature, following energy-related bills and making recommendations as appropriate.

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“Together as citizens, we need to evaluate our energy consumption and begin to use our natural resources more wisely,” Judge Nelson Wolff said. “The unique partnership of MPE will lead to a better future for San Antonio by educating our community about energy conservation as well as alternative forms of energy such as those promoted by Solar San Antonio.”

MPE’s target area is the San Antonio MSA: Bexar, Guadalupe, Comal and Wilson Counties. San Antonio is the largest city in the target area, with almost three-quarters of the area’s total population.

“San Antonio is a leader in this effort,” said City of San Antonio Mayor Ed Garza, who serves as MPE’s Board Vice Chair. “As our citizens adopt new technologies and embrace energy conservation, we will change the future of our region.”

MPE’s Initiatives include technical workshops and individualized assistance to political subdivisions, community outreach, and development of a green building program. Green building – building with resource efficient design and construction – has less impact on the environment from construction through the life of the structure and often incorporates recycled materials. MPE’s green building focus areas are renewable energy and affordable housing.

“Through education about the benefits of green building, we hope to create public demand for structures that have higher standards for energy and water efficiency, and improved indoor air quality,” said Milton Lee, MPE Board Secretary and CPS Energy CEO.

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Starting in 2003, MPE will coordinate an annual energy symposium to discuss energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate protection. In an effort to build awareness and pride in local efforts, MPE will also honor businesses and young people with Sustainable Energy Awards for their sustainable energy successes.

In addition to Judge Wolff and Mayor Garza, MPE’s other officers are Secretary Milton Lee, GM and CEO of CPS Energy; and Treasurer William Sinkin, Chairman of Solar San Antonio. The Board also includes members General Eugene Habiger, CEO of SAWS; Charles Shannon, Chairman of VIA Board of Trustees; Al Notzon, Executive Director of AACOG and Mayor Jim Parma, Chairman of GBCCC.

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