Las Vegas Weekly

February 6, 2009 · 6:46 AM

Neon City agrees to go dark for ‘Earth Hour’ next month

By Robin Leach

Mayor Oscar Goodman, in front of the iconic Las Vegas sign and flanked by the iconic showgirls of his city, speaks at the Earth Hour press conference on Feb. 4, 2009.

Photo: The Firm PR

Las Vegas is the brightest city on Earth! Las Vegas is the best-lit city on the planet! But for one hour March 28, the lights will go out, and Vegas will go dark. The Strip will turn off the lights from the Sahara on the north end as far as Tropicana on the south end and nearly everywhere in between.

Vegas will lead more than 240 cities in 70 countries throughout the world to turn off non-essential lighting to mark the global event “Earth Hour,” calling for action on climate change. The World Wildlife Fund has orchestrated the staggering global undertaking, and its officials joined our merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman at the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign to kick off our participation.

“No place on the planet is better lit than the Las Vegas Strip, and we want all of our casinos and our 2 million residents to dim their lights in support of ‘Earth Hour,’ ” said Clark County Commission Chairman Rory Reid. “2009 marks the centennial of Clark County, so there is no better time for us to play our part.”

Mayor Oscar Goodman commented: “Our community is excited to be the flagship city for the world’s recognition of ‘Earth Hour 2009’ as it follows our city’s commitment to sustainability. The effort promotes our goals for thoughtful growth management and empowers everyone to be part of the solution.”

Here’s the list of the blackout participants: The new Fontainebleau under construction, the Riviera, the Encore, the Wynn, Bally’s, Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall, Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Imperial Palace, Paris, the MGM Mirage, Planet Hollywood, the Rio, Hooters Casino, Planet Hollywood Towers by Westgate, plus all the Station Casinos throughout the Valley: Aliante, Boulder, Fiesta, Green Valley Ranch, Palace, Red Rock, Sunset and Texas Stations. The Boyd Gaming Corp. will turn the lights out at The Orleans, the Suncoast, Sam’s Town, plus its downtown properties. All government agencies throughout the valley also will go dark.

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