By Tony McVeigh, Kentucky Public RadioAs Kentucky prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on Thursday, Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear are touting energy conservation efforts at the State Capitol.Gov. Beshear says improvements underway will reduce energy consumption by 22-percent, and save taxpayers $251,000 dollars a year.“The work includes lighting upgrades, water conservation measures, vending machine controllers, optimization of the chiller plants performance, replacement of steam traps, various improvements at the mansion and electrical transformer replacement,” he said.The work is being done at the Executive Mansion, the State Capitol and the Capitol Annex. Beshear says the $2.6 million project will be repaid through savings realized from reductions in utility costs.
Rick Howlett is host of WFPL's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." Email Rick at rhowlett@lpm.org.