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Sierra Club Awards JEA for Environmentally-Friendly Programs and Goals
Jacksonville, FL (July 1, 2005) - With Independence Day upon us, the Sierra Club of Northeast Florida chose today to honor JEA, Jacksonville's water/sewer/electric utility, for its ongoing efforts to improve the environment through innovative programs and its commitment to conservation efforts that help make the U.S. more energy independent.
"We commend JEA for its voluntary commitment to increasing the use of solar, wind and other renewable or 'green power' sources and promoting energy and water conservation, which does promote our energy independence," said Sierra Club Northeast Florida Group Chair Tom Larson. "JEA has proven itself a leader in Florida and the Southeast U.S. when it comes to being an environmentally-sensitive utility."
JEA CEO Jim Dickenson, accepting the Sierra Club 2005 Celebration of Energy Independence award on behalf of the utility, said the recognition is appreciated.
"We've made environmental stewardship one of our strategic initiatives, so to be recognized for our efforts by the Sierra Club is very rewarding," Dickenson said.
JEA is the largest solar power generator in Florida. The utility also made a voluntary commitment to generate 7.5 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2015. Also, despite a tight budget year, JEA continues to fund an innovative solar incentive program that offsets the initial costs of installing solar water heating systems and is devoting all advertising dollars to energy and water conservation efforts. This year, JEA has been spearheading a "Green Home Initiative" to promote the development of water/energy conserving homes.
"Promoting conservation is important to all of us," Larson said. "Individual changes in our behavior ensure a more prudent use of our natural resources, helps us reduce emissions to improve our environment, and lessens our reliance on fossil fuels."
During today's event, held at The Jacksonville Landing, vendors that support JEA's environmental programs set up booths to display solar technologies and other programs.
For more information about the Sierra Club of Northeast Florida, people should contact 904-390-4846.
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