In the spirit of Earth Day, Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco (R,C,I-Schenectady-Saratoga) is urging Gov. Eliot Spitzer to sign an Executive Order requiring all New York State buildings to make the switch from incandescent to compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Tedisco said fluorescent light bulbs use 66 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs, and save about $30 over the life of each bulb. According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, greenhouse gas reductions would be significant.

"My plan is as sensible as it is earth-friendly," Tedisco said. "Compact fluorescent light bulbs last 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. What better way to save energy, protect our environment and save valuable taxpayer dollars, all in one shot."

In addition, compact fluorescent light bulbs burn cooler, while traditional incandescent bulbs give off 90 percent heat and only 10 percent light.

"I urge the Governor to act on this issue immediately," Tedisco said. "Replacing the state's lighting system, as the old bulbs burn out, would be a relatively easy task. In fact, I have already done so in each of my legislative offices. Because no legislative action will be needed, I hope the process will begin statewide right away. It is time to make our state government more energy-efficient, and this proposal would be a great start."

Tedisco also noted that all New Yorkers, by replacing the five most-used light bulbs in their homes with compact fluorescent bulbs, could save up to $60 per year.