WASHINGTON, June 16, 2006 /PRNewswire

 

Governor Edward Rendell received the Governor's Energy Leadership Award at the 17th annual Energy Efficiency Forum at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. this past week.

The Forum, which is sponsored by the United States Energy Association (USEA) and Johnson Controls, Inc., is designed to raise awareness of the technical, economic and political solutions available to improve energy efficiency. The annual bipartisan event is attended by hundreds of executives and government officials who are involved with managing energy policies for their respective organizations.

The Energy Leadership Awards recognize current and former public officials who have promoted energy efficiency. Governor Rendell leads one of the most progressive and energy-efficient states, championing efforts such as two-tiered energy portfolio standards, renewable electricity purchases and strong energy management in state facilities, and is one of the biggest promoters of green buildings.

At the event, Governor Rendell spoke on the need to encourage alternate energy development and help the U.S. reduce its dependence on foreign oil: "Energy efficiency standards play an important role in ensuring affordable, reliable energy," said Governor Rendell. "Pennsylvania has been in the forefront supporting and fighting for new energy-saving standards to promote technological innovations and new practices to protect resources, cut energy costs and save money, and grow our economy all at the same time."

In addition to Governor Rendell, the following individuals were also presented with awards at the Forum: Senators Hillary Clinton, D.-N.Y., and Dianne Feinstein, D.-Calif.; Cheng Lianyuan, bureau director at the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Industrial Development; Timothy Wirth, now president of the United Nations Foundation and Better World Fund; and Jacqueline Schafer, assistant administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for economic growth, agriculture and trade.

The theme of this year's Forum, "Energy Efficiency: The Path Toward Independence," highlighted the growing awareness of energy's impact on security and the economy in today's world. Global decision-makers and influencers outlined strategies for gaining independence from foreign energy sources. U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman gave the keynote speech at the event, which also featured presentations by Senators Clinton and Feinstein, as well as other public and private sector representatives. In addition, Cheng Lianyuan discussed China's challenges balancing economic growth with energy conservation.

In addition to individual speakers, the Forum featured a panel discussion on "Balancing Energy Supply and Demand." The panelists were Red Cavaney, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute; Thomas Kuhn, president of Edison Electric Institute; and David Parker, president and CEO of the American Gas Association. The discussion was moderated by Branko Terzic, global and U.S. regulatory policy leader in the energy resources group of Deloitte Services, based in Washington D.C.

For more information about the event, as well as a complete listing of award winners and bios, visit http://www.eeforum.net.

The United States Energy Association is comprised of approximately 150 public and private energy-related organizations, corporations and government agencies. It represents the United States in the World Energy Council.

Johnson Controls is a global leader in interior experience, building efficiency and power solutions. The company provides innovative automotive interiors that help make driving more comfortable, safe and enjoyable. For buildings, it offers products and services that optimize energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls also provides batteries for automobiles and hybrid electric vehicles, along with systems engineering and service expertise. Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) has 136,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations serving customers in 125 countries. Founded in 1885, the company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

SOURCE Johnson Controls, Inc.

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Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell Honored at Energy Efficiency Forum