Climate Change Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 17, 2006

For additional information: Danise Alano; Assistant Director of Economic Development, City of Bloomington, 349.3477

Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3569

Bloomington Sustainability and Environmental Commissions Present "U.S. Mayors Agreement on Climate Change & What You Can Do"

Bloomington, IN - The City of Bloomington Commission on Sustainability (BCOS) and Environmental Commission will present "U.S. Mayors Agreement on Climate Change & What You Can Do," the second in a series of public forums on sustainability issues, on Monday, May 22nd.

The forum begins at 7:00 pm in the Monroe County Public Library Auditorium with a presentation by Environmental Commission interns Michael Steinhoff and Eric Roberts explaining the US Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement, which Bloomington mayor Mark Kruzan signed April 21. The Agreement, signed by more than 250 mayors across the United States, supports the reduction of "greenhouse gases" which contribute to global warming and climate change.

Following the presentations will be a short series of clips from the video "Kilowatt Ours: Energy Conservation and Renewables" on practical ways individuals can help increase energy efficiency.

BCOS Vice-Chair Darryl Neher will then moderate a panel discussion with the audience. The panel features Danise Alano, City of Bloomington Assistant Director of Economic Development and City liaison with the BCOS; Rob Norris, Senior Communications Specialist, Duke Energy (formerly Cinergy); and a representative from the Environmental Commission. The focus of the panel will be on concrete steps individuals can take in their homes, businesses, and community to increase energy efficiency and promote sustainable energy usage. Handouts with additional tips will be given to attendees.

The event is free and open to the public.

"This is a great way for people to learn about the global problem of climate change and then see what steps they can take here at home to help make a difference," said John Hamilton, BCOS chair. "We invite all area residents to this information-packed event to learn what the City is doing to improve energy conservation and what each of us can do, too."