Six of the ten winners of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Excellence in Energy Efficiency Awards are from Pennsylvania.

The 2006 Energy Star small business winners from Pennsylvania are:

· Gehman & Company of Mechanicsburg;

· RBR - Recumbent BikeRiders, Inc. of State College;

· Susquehanna Fire Equipment Co. of Dewart;

· The Music Mart, Inc. of State College;

· T.J.'s Market of Hughesville; and

· Tripps Grill and Six Pack of North Bend.

EPA recognized eight small businesses and two congregations for their energy-efficiency operations that prevented over 1 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and saved $66,000 in annual utility costs.

The agency gives Energy Star awards to small businesses and congregations, institutions and associations that promote energy efficiency in their facilities.

Small businesses and congregations that invest strategically can cut utility costs 25-30 percent without sacrificing service, style or comfort, while making significant contributions to a cleaner environment.

The efficiency improvements made by the 10 winners are wide ranging, and include lighting upgrades, improved insulation, installation of door and window seals, purchase of Energy Star qualified appliances and equipment, and use of daylighting. The savings from some upgrades paid for themselves in as little as three months.

Energy Star is a voluntary, market-based partnership designed to offer business and consumers effective energy efficiency solutions for saving energy, money and the environment.

Programs like Energy Star are vital to meeting the Bush Administration's goal to cut the greenhouse gas intensity by 18 percent by 2012. In 2005, Americans with the help of Energy Star saved $12 billion on their energy bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those produced in powering 23 million cars.

More information, visit the 2006 Small Business and Congregations Award Winners webpage.

9/22/2006