West Virginia State Agencies Will Participate In Earth Hour This Saturday – You Can Too

Charleston, WV – WV Governor Joe Manchin announced Tuesday that all WV state agencies will join at least 27 other states in a pledge to switch off all unnecessary lights for one hour, as part of Earth Hour 2010.

Earth hour is a World Wildlife Fund global initiative encouraging individuals, schools, governments, businesses and organizations to turn off their lights for one hour Saturday, March 27th from 8:30 to 9:30pm. The WWF says the purpose of Earth Hour is to send a powerful message about climate change. They see climate change as one of the greatest threats facing wildlife and nature.

Nearly 4100 cities in 87 countries on all seven continents went dark in 2009 for Earth Hour. In the US, that meant 80 million Americans in 318 cities.
Additionally well know landmarks around the world went dark such as the Empire State Building, the Las Vegas Strip, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Opera House in Sydney, Australia.

In a press statement, Governor Manchin says “Participation in Earth Hour shows that West Virginians are doing their part to encourage energy conservation. It illustrates our concern and willingness to work together to reduce our carbon footprint and is a reminder that the little things we do every day can actually make a difference. I encourage everyone to take notice of the unnecessary energy they use every day, and to do their part to minimize waste.”

Governor Manchin encourages all West Virginians to turn off non-essential lights at their homes this Saturday night from 8:30 to 9:30 pm, and to conserve energy by curbing unnecessary use of lights throughout the year.

For more information about Earth Hour, visit myearthhour.org.