Date:

March 27, 2009

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Mayor Chris Beutler today issued a proclamation (below) urging residents to participate in Earth Hour, an international event to promote action on climate change. The Mayor encourages residents to turn off any non-essential lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28. Earth Hour is organized by the World Wildlife Fund, and more information is available at www.EarthHourUS.org.

Whereas, Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour; and

Whereas, in 2008, 50 million people switched off their lights; and

Whereas, for the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote; and

Whereas, VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, business and community to stand up and take control over the future of our planet; and

Whereas, more than 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009; and

Whereas, together we can take control of the future of our planet for future generations,

Now, therefore, I, Chris Beutler, Mayor of the City of Lincoln, Nebraska, due hereby proclaim March 28, 2009 as "Earth Hour Day" and urge citizens to join this worldwide movement by switching off their lights for one hour.