There’s a crusader at the statehouse who’s reminding lawmakers that the last one out should turn out the lights. The state capitol isn’t like your average home. It’s 330-thousand square feet of space, with hundreds of light bulbs illuminating dozens of rooms. Susan Severino of Des Moines is the top aide to the Speaker of the House, but she has become the capitol’s self-appointed “energy czar.” Severino says there’s an energy crisis, and it’s “shameful” to leave lights on in rooms that aren’t being used. Severino has lectured lawmakers, and she’s seeing results. She says she finds fewer rooms with the lights left on. Representative Chuck Gipp of Decorah admits Severino’s crusade is working. Gipp says sometimes lawmakers just need a reminder.
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