Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon on Monday urged his employees to protect the environment by purchasing wind power.

If 400 county workers sign up for Utah Power's Blue Sky Renewable Energy program, Corroon has pledged that the county will purchase 750 blocks of wind energy. Each block, which is 100 kilowatt hours, costs $1.95 per month.

According to Corroon, the program reduces air pollution, lowers dependence on fossil fuels, encourages development of renewable energy, conserves resources for future generations and reduces greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

"Committed environmental stewardship is vital to the future of our community," Corroon said in a statement. "The Blue Sky program is an easy way to a clean, prosperous and diversified energy future."

Approximately 17,500 Utahns currently use renewable wind power in their homes and businesses, according to Utah Power.

The program is also available to all residential and business customers of Utah Power. Sign up online at www.utahpower.net/bluesky or call 1-800-842-8458.