A crowd of about 130 people filled the halls of Killough North High School in Lewisville Saturday morning before going into the cafeteria to hear U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess and Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael L. Williams give tips on how to conserve energy.

The event, sponsored by Burgess, was a summit and fair on energy conservation.

This third annual event offered North Texans information on how to become more energy efficient and save on their personal energy costs, as well as programs and products available that relate to energy efficiency and conservation. Information was also presented on how recent federal policies may impact Texas.

Several companies and organizations had booths or spaces in the hall to show off the services they offered to help consumers save on energy.

The event featured two panels of experts from local, state, and federal levels, as well as area organizations and businesses, who offered information ranging from building a “Green Home” and updating current homes with energy saving products, to the state’s leading usage of wind energy and other alternative sources.

Burgess is no stranger to energy efficiency, having incorporated many of the ideas in his own home built in recent years.

“We must all do our part to become more energy efficient and strive for an energy independent America,” Burgess said. “There are many things we can do to use less energy and use energy more wisely. By taking just a few steps as a humble North Texan, I have used far less energy than I used to, and I would encourage others to do so as well.”

Burgess was introduced to the 9 a.m. crowd by Lewisville Mayor Dean Ueckert, who referred to the doctor-turned-congressman as a “Texas hero.”

“I know we all agree that we should learn as much as possible about finding new ways to improve our energy efficiency,” Ueckert told the crowd. “I appreciate Congressman Burgess hosting this summit which I believe will educate us on the excellent tools available.”

Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams offered the keynote address at 11:20 a.m., speaking about energy resources and policy in Texas. The Texas Railroad Commission has primary regulatory jurisdiction over many of the state’s energy industries, including oil and natural gas industry. The commission is also responsible for research and education to promote the use of alternative fuels.

“Meeting our growing energy needs of tomorrow requires us to conserve more, use less and develop alternatives today. We can have a healthy economy and a healthy environment with pro-growth energy policies that encourage innovation and reward entrepreneurship,” said Williams, the longest-serving member of the state’s energy regulatory commission.

Officials were also on hand from the Public Utility Commission and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).

Attendees benefited from an energy efficiency fair featuring exhibits from area organizations and businesses. Products highlighted included energy efficient appliances, residential solar panels and wind turbines..

“In these tough economic times, I think it’s important to find ways we can cut back at home, and I am hopeful North Texans learned new ways to do that today. I wanted to highlight the importance of individuals taking responsibility and doing things to reduce their energy use,” Congressman Burgess said.

Burgess, who was a physician for more than 25 years before being elected to Congress in 2002, is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and three of its subcommittees: Health, Energy & Environment, and Oversight & Investigations. He is also a member of the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Economic Committee..

Williams is one of the three members of the elected Texas Railroad Commission, a regulatory body over, not railroads, but the oil and natural gas industries. Williams is currently the highest-ranking African American in statewide Texas politics. He was appointed to the commission by Gov. George W. Bush in 1998, and has since won elections in 2000, 2002 and 2008.


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