Mayor Encourages Participation in "Lights Out America" Night

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz today encouraged Madisonians to take part in the nationally-organized "Lights Out America" night. For one hour, on the evening of March 29, from 8:00pm - 9:00pm, businesses and residents around the world are turning off non-essential lights to raise awareness of energy conservation and global climate change. "Addressing global climate change is going to be the critical challenge of the next century," said Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. "We all have a role to play in reducing energy use and its resulting contribution to global warming emissions. Taking part in "Lights Out America" is an easy way to make a statement about the need for all of us to do what we can to reduce non-essential energy use." City government is taking part in "Lights Out America", and will be turning off non-essential lighting during the event, consistent with public safety and other considerations. The Common Council, led by Ald. Tim Gruber, passed a resolution on March 4 authorizing the City's participation in the event. For more information about "Lights Out America", visit www.earthhourus.org.