John Millett, 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

 Average Home Can Cause More Greenhouse Gas Emissions than Average Car

(Washington, D.C. - June 16, 2004) What few people realize is that the average home can cause more greenhouse gas emissions than the average car.  EPA is calling on Americans to protect our environment  by taking five steps in their own homes to improve energy efficiency.  This new ENERGY STAR public awareness campaign is part of EPA's ongoing commitment to educate the public about the benefits of energy efficiency and preventing air pollution.

Public Service Announcements have been sent by EPA to media markets around the country.  This multi-year campaign includes television, radio and print public service announcements (in both English and Spanish) that emphasize specific actions consumers can make in their homes to use energy efficiently.

The campaign is based on five simple things everyone can do in their home to make it more energy efficient:

1. Change five Lights. Replace your five most frequently used lights or the bulbs in them with ones that have the ENERGY STAR label from EPA.

2.    Look for ENERGY STAR labeled Products. Available in more than 40 product categories, including lighting and home appliances.

3. Heat and cool smartly. Have your heating and cooling equipment serviced annually and remember to replace air filters regularly. Use a programmable thermostat, and when it's time to replace old equipment, choose an ENERGY STAR labeled model.

4. Seal up your home. Seal air leaks, add insulation and choose ENERGY STAR labeled windows.

5. Tell family and friends. We're asking you to help spread the word that energy efficiency is good for your home and the environment while reducing your monthly energy bills.

Last year alone, Americans, through the ENERGY STAR program, saved enough energy to power 20 million homes and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 18 million cars - all while saving $9 billion.

As part of his February 2002 National Energy Plan, President Bush called for increased public awareness of the ENERGY STAR program and its benefits to consumers and businesses.  The President also called for the expansion of the program to provide the ENERGY STAR label to additional building types including grocery stores, hospitals and hotels.

EPA introduced ENERGY STAR in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce air pollution by giving consumers simple energy-efficient choices.  Today, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy, the ENERGY STAR label is featured on more than 40 types of products as well as on new homes and buildings. More than 9,000 organizations have become ENERGY STAR partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses.  For more information, call 1-888-STAR-YES.  For more information and to see the Public Service Campaign, please visit: http://www.energystar.gov.