Background
On January 17, 2001, Governor Gray Davis proclaimed a State of
Emergency in California due to an electrical energy
shortage. On February 1, 2001, Governor Davis issued
Executive Order D-19-01 (Order); ordering retail businesses to
substantially reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting wattage during
non-business hours.
Between February 1 and February 8, the Governor's Office of
Emergency Services brought together representatives from State
government and the law enforcement community to draft an
implementation plan that provides guidance to businesses on how to
comply with the Governor's order.
Guiding Principles
In general, law enforcement agencies throughout California will
enforce this order by utilizing a partnership approach to helping
retail businesses in their communities conserve energy
safely. The primary principles guiding this effort include:
- Public, employee and property safety not compromised
- Intent of Order is to reduce wattage, not illumination
- Businesses, in consultation with local law enforcement, will
determine minimum outdoor lighting necessary
- Enforcement sanctions used as last resort
- Actions taken by businesses will focus on long-term
conservation
Outreach Support
Supporting the plan is a comprehensive outreach program that
provides a variety of approaches that law enforcement can use to
enhance businesses' ability to comply. The suggested tools
that could be used include:
- Development of Model Conservation Plans that businesses can
adapt to their particular needs
- Awards program by Board of Supervisors' and Mayors to
recognize model business
- Stickers for placement in windows of businesses that are
conserving energy
- Use of the Internet to provide businesses with information
on "best practice" conservation measures and other
requirements of the order.
Definitions
These definitions provide clarification of the Order, which
essentially calls for retail establishments to substantially
reduce unnecessary lighting during non-business hours, while
ensuring continued public safety.
- "Non-business hours" - Hours that business is not
open to public
- "Public Safety" - Measures necessary to protect
the public, employees, and their property
- "Retail Establishment" - Business that offers
product of service for sale to public
- "Substantial reduction" - Means good faith effort
to reduce maximum wattage. Business should target a
reduction of 50 percent or more in wattage.
- "Unnecessary lighting" - Primarily marketing and
decorative lighting.
Enforcement
After March 15, 2001, the Order becomes mandatory.
As a last resort for law enforcement, businesses that demonstrate an inability, after numerous opportunities, to work with local law enforcement and fail to voluntarily comply may face a misdemeanor find of up to $1,000. It is the intent of law enforcement that a complaint would only be filed in the case of the most egregious cases and only after aggressive attempts were made to provide information and education to seek compliance.
For more information visit the Governors Office of
Emergency Services Web Site
www.oes.ga.gov |
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