At the BCSO, we are always looking at new ways to conserve energy and save taxpayer money.  One measure we have recently put into practice is an additional “lights-out” period in the jail. It is standard procedure that lights be turned out between the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. But in the interest of conserving even more, we have added an extra two hours of lights-out from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in nine day rooms and exercise areas.

Of course, “lights-out” doesn’t mean the jail is ever completely dark. TCI regulations require that jail cells can never be completely dark. When we turn off the big lights, night lights automatically turn on. This is obviously a safety measure. But by turning off the big lights for an extra two hours a day we will be able to realize an extra savings on our energy bills.

As a reminder, we have an on-going fuel conservation policy that saves gasoline while maintaining vital law enforcement services. Fortunately, we have enjoyed lower fuel costs the past couple of months that has further helped save money. Oil fell below $39 a barrel and prices at the pump were the lowest they’ve been in five years. That was certainly welcome news to consumers, including the BCSO. We actually realized an approximate savings of over $20,000 on our last monthly fuel bill, compared to our bills a few months ago. Lower prices probably won’t hold and we have already seen them creep back up a little. But at least, the lower costs for fuel has offered a welcome reprieve. Hopefully, the prices won’t reach the high levels of last fall. If they hold at or near current levels, we probably will not need additional money in our fuel budget this year.

I am a supporter of conservation and innovation. I believe our nation needs to increase domestic oil exploration and production to increase energy supplies and help reduce costs. We should also explore innovative “green” technology and other alternate energy sources to help reduce American dependence on foreign oil and to protect our environment.

Some of these alternative energy options include solar technology, wind technology, hydroelectric technology, fuel cell technology, hybrid technology, domestic natural gas supplies and technology, bio-fuels technology, clean coal technology, nuclear power technology and others. One area that may hold some promise for the BCSO is solar and wind power generation as the cost of installing these technologies is reduced. Hybrid technology, fuel cell technology and biofuels may also be in our future as they develop and become practical. Anyway, by exploring and implementing these alternatives we can better preserve our environment and, over time, achieve sustainable, renewable energy sources that will help provide American energy independence and save taxpayer money on public building utilities and vehicles.

I believe the economic uncertainties we face as a nation are temporary and I remain optimistic that America’s future is bright. We have led the world in innovation and resourcefulness and I feel we can continue in that role.