THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

                   STATEMENT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT 
              ON THE 1998 ENERGY STAR PARTNERS AWARDS

Today, the Clinton Administration is honoring 20 American companies and organizations for their outstanding efforts to promote energy efficiency -- saving themselves and consumers money, while our environment and public health.

As partners in our Energy Star program, these exceptional companies and organizations join thousands of others already working with this Administration to reduce energy use in everything from televisions to computers to exit signs in office buildings.

Saving energy means less pollution. The steps these companies are taking to use energy more efficiently are the very steps our nation must take to curb the emissions that contribute to global warming -- steps that grow the American economy and, at the same time, protect our environment. In 1997 alone, Energy Star partnerships prevented the release of more than 15 million tons of carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas.

Saving energy also means saving money. In 1997, these partnerships saved businesses and consumers more than $1 billion.

Participating in programs like Energy Star is good business sense and just plain common sense. The companies and organizations honored today are models for the rest of the nation for their commitment and responsibility in helping the nation meet the challenge of global warming. Businesses across the nation should follow their lead.