Assemblyman Tim Leslie (R - Tahoe City) joined Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) today in urging Californians to participate in a program that will help conserve gasoline in this time of tight supplies and high prices. Flex Your Power at the Pump is an education campaign about ways to conserve fuel, save money, and protect the environment by using simple common sense techniques.

Don’t throw out your computers, monitors, and televisions; fax machines and other electronic items. If you didn’t know, e-waste is a way for us Californians to rid our electronics in a safe and environmentally friendly way. On January 1, 2005 an electronic waste-recycling fee was assessed on certain electronic devices sold in California. The fee, ranging from six dollars to ten dollars, depending on screen size and other specifications, is collected at the time of retail sale; this does include all internet and catalog sales to California consumers.

Summer's hot temperatures are here so here are ways to keep your home cooler and save money on summer energy bills.

The most important factor in cooling your home is not to let it heat up in the first place. Good insulation, caulking and weather stripping help keep the heat outside during the summer, so do shade trees, overhangs, awnings and shades. Limiting the use of household appliances that emit heat also helps.

Keep windows closed during the heat of the day.
Draw blinds and draperies during the day to keep the heat out.

We are faced with a climate change challenge that will define our nation’s ability to achieve energy independence, economic prosperity and the preservation of our natural resources for generations to come. The response of local governments is critical to addressing this challenge. Localities are in the best position to foster the innovation and new practices that will achieve building efficiencies, cleaner transportation options, development of green jobs and businesses, and more sustainable communities.