Salazar, Chu to Flip Switch on Energy-Efficient LED Lights on National Mall

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu will participate in a lighting ceremony featuring the newly-installed LED lights on the National Mall. Illuminating the Mall from 3rd to 15th Streets, the LED technology is expected to reduce lighting energy by up to 65 percent and provide a well-lit atmosphere to welcome the National Mall's 25 million annual visitors.

“Achieving an economy built on American energy will require an all-of-the-above approach, one that includes safely and responsibly developing our domestic energy resources – and making the most of what we have available through efficiencies,” said Secretary Salazar. “There is no more fitting place to build a model of energy efficiency than right here in America's front yard, the National Mall, with the installation of these LED lights.”

"Using energy efficient LED lightbulbs is an important way Americans can save money by saving energy," said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "Investing in an American economy that is built to last includes taking advantage of all of America's energy resources while working to improve efficiency. Installing these energy efficient bulbs on the National Mall is an important demonstration of our commitment to partnering with the private sector to promote energy saving technologies."

Salazar and Chu will be joined by Superintendent of the National Mall and Memorials Parks Bob Vogel, President of the Trust for the National Mall Caroline Cunningham, and CEOs from Pepco, OSRAM SYLVANIA, and Siemens who donated the materials and skilled labor for the LED light installation.

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