James Scherr Receives Presidential Citation For Energy Efficiency in El Paso

In 1981, attorney and West Side Alderman Jim Scherr was awarded a presidential citation for his efforts in promoting energy efficiency. Scherr, who was completing his second term as alderman, has been involved in energy conservation efforts at the local, state, and national levels. He has served on an advisory board to the U.S. Department of Energy, and has been active on the Texas Energy and Natural Resources Advisory Council and is chairman of the Texas Municipal Energy Conservation League.

Scherr is credited with helping to establish the Office of Energy Conservation in El Paso and drafting an energy conservation building code for the city. He also helped organize the Comprehensive Community Energy Management program in El Paso.

The citation is the highest presidential recognition given to civilians on a nationwide basis, according to Caroline Kalman, executive director of the Texas Municipal Energy Conservation League. Scherr and his wife traveled to Washington to receive the award at the White House ceremony in 1981.