Article Contributed on: 12/9/2007 1:19:39 PM
Rep. Benefield Helps "Green the House"
DENVER -State leaders, including
RepresentativeDebbie Benefield (D-Westminster) were instrumental in transforming the State Capitol into a "Green House" by changing the light bulbs in the House chamber's chandelier earlier this week. The conventional incandescent light bulbs were removed, recycled and replaced-with the help of Rep. Benefield- with compact fluorescents. The move prompted jokes from onlookers as to 'just how many legislators it takes to change a light bulb?'
All joking aside, the light bulb switch, which highlighted the replacement not only the 65 bulbs in the ornate brass chandelier, but all the bulbs throughout the Capitol building, will have huge energy and cost savings.
Compact fluorescents last more than ten times as long as the old incandescent bulbs and significantly reduce the amount of carbon emissions released into the environment. Over the next 10 years, carbon emissions will be reduced by 692,904 pounds, the equivalent of taking over 100 cars off the road and will save Colorado taxpayers more than $17,000 annually.
"I am proud to say that we as lawmakers are walking our talk. Everybody, including us, can do their part to help make Colorado a greener state" said Rep. Benefield. Last year, Rep. Benefield supported HB-1281 to reduce the state's reliance on coal and promote cleaner sources of energy.
The 1500-pound, pure brass chandelier is lowered each December for cleaning in anticipation for January when lawmakers return for the 2008 legislative session. "I am looking forward to bringing new energy to Colorado while working in a brighter, greener house chamber"