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John O’Connor has worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service for more than 30 years. During that time, he has taken on many roles, including wastewater plant operator, forestry aid, utilities system operator and his current position as the utilities systems leader for the North Umpqua and Diamond Lake Ranger District offices of the of the Umpqua National Forest in southwestern Oregon. John, who goes by “Zeb” around the office, is a longtime outdoor enthusiast, and says he is always trying to incorporate new ways to conserve energy and “green the place up a bit.” We think he’s doing a great job at doing just that.

To reduce energy waste, in 2009, John organized and replaced all of the old electrical ballasts (devices intended to limit the amount of current in an electric circuit) in the North Umpqua Ranger District office with more energy efficient ones. The office, which is one of 600 ranger districts across the country, is responsible for managing 256,404 acres of public land in a northwestern section of the Umpqua National Forest.

Thanks to John and his team -- which includes Bob Allen and Brian DeRousseau -- the North Umpqua Ranger District office can expect to save at least 40 percent on their electric bill. John and his team worked together for a week to remove and rewire the light fixtures. In addition to saving money on theoffice electric bill, other employees in the office report that the lighting is improved.

John says that keeping up with new energy efficiency technologies is a continuing process. “There is always something coming out that we try to install that will save money,” he says. John does his best to keep up with new energy technologies and keep the facilities he manages uptodate.

As part of the Department of Energy’s efforts to implement sound, cost-effective energy management and investment practices to enhance the nation's energy security and environmental stewardship, the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) guides agencies like the USDA Forest Service to use funding more effectively in meeting the government’s energy management objectives. John and his team have done just that by implementing these types of cost-cutting measures, and are saving American taxpayers money along the way.

The federal government, as the nation's largest energy consumer, has a tremendous opportunity and clear responsibility to lead by example. FEMP, and energy champions like John and his team, are central to this responsibility. In addition to replacing the ballasts at the North Umpqua Ranger District office, John says he is also replacing the ballasts at the Diamond Lake Ranger District office approximately 80 miles away. John told us that the Forest Service has also installed solar panels at the Diamond Lake campground showers, another energy conservation measure he suggested.

Last year, John was named a FEMP Energy Champion. Energy champions are federal employees who have made extraordinary contributions to energy savings efforts. These men and women have developed and advocated innovative practices that have saved energy and money while improving the efficiency of the government. Energy champions like John serve as role models for their fellow employees and for all Americans.

Congratulations John, and keep up the good work!