This past week, the state Senate took an important step towards bringing about potential energy cost savings and reduced hydrocarbon emissions in our state.

This year, I introduced two energy bills that, unfortunately, did not receive approval in committee. However, these were very important issues to me so I found other Senate authors who agreed to let me attach my language as amendments to their bills.

I’m pleased to say that they received overwhelming bipartisan support.

My first amendment included similar language to SB 1504, which I introduced earlier this year, which would require the state’s public school districts to establish a goal of reducing the district’s annual electric consumption by 5 percent each year for six years beginning Jan. 1, 2009.

Whether it’s changing to lower watt light bulbs or converting to energy efficient appliances, these are modest steps that our public schools can take to reduce energy consumption.

By doing this, schools can also help create more awareness among Oklahoma’s children and families about ways they can reduce energy consumption to save money and help the environment.

The amendment carries no penalties for non-compliance, just encourages them to reduce their electric consumption. If passed into law, the State Department of Education would report to the Legislature and governor annually regarding energy conservation performance of school districts across the state.

The other amendment I introduced included language from SB 1771, which would require the 35 state agencies that have at least 10 vehicles in their fleet to either purchase vehicles that utilize compressed natural gas (CNG) or other alternative fuels or convert existing vehicles to CNG and other alternative fuels in order to increase fuel efficiency by 50 percent by June 30, 2012.

This would only be required if the cost of the fuel was not higher than 10 percent above the cost of conventional gasoline or diesel. Other vehicle fleets across the country that have converted to CNG have reported fuel cost savings ranging from 25 to 50 percent. They’ve also reported reducing hydrocarbon emissions by 50 percent and carbon monoxide emissions by 90 percent.

It’s important for the state to save energy costs, and unlike other states, we can use energy produced right here at home. Natural gas is one of Oklahoma’s most abundant natural resources. We also stand to become a leading supplier of biodiesel and ethanol because of our ability to produce agricultural products that serve as sources for these fuels. This is simply a win-win for everybody.

These bills will next be considered in the House of Representatives. If approved, it would place Oklahoma firmly on record in support of energy cost savings and conversion to alternative fuel sources that are abundant in our state.

Using energy efficient products is one of the smartest ways that we can reduce energy use and help prevent greenhouse gas emissions. Besides this, when private citizens across Oklahoma are being forced to find ways to save energy costs in order to make ends meet, it makes sense for their state government to do the same thing.

These are modest proposals that save taxpayer dollars and help the environment. And most of all, they will ensure that future generations of Oklahomans have clean air to breathe and a beautiful state that they can be proud of.

Reach Sen. Rice, D-Oklahoma City, by email by Clicking Here or by phone at (405) 521-5610.