SAN FRANCISCO: The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) announced today that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the first federal agency to switch one of its facilities to 100% renewable power. The switch comes shortly after the Clinton Administration's June 3rd Executive Order encouraging federal purchases of electricity generated with renewable resources.

"With this Executive Order, the Clinton Administration is challenging the Federal government to be a national leader on the use of green power," said Jan Hamrin, Executive Director of CRS. Hamrin continued, "the multi-billion dollar Federal energy budget can now be part of the pollution solution by being used to purchase electricity from renewable energy sources. After years of discussion, it is a welcome sign to see the Federal government putting its money into green power, energy, and the environment."

The EPA has chosen the Sacramento Municipal Utility District's Greenergy (SM) electricity option to power their Richmond, CA research laboratory. Greenergy is 100% renewable and is certified by the Green-e Renewable Electricity Certification Program. Green-e is the nation's first environmental certification program for renewable electricity sold in restructured markets. To receive product certification, a power provider must meet Green-e's high product standards and consumer protection requirements. The company must also undergo an annual independent verification to substantiate its product claims and ensure enough renewable power has been purchased to meet its customer demand.

EPA used the Green-e certification as a criterion in its request for electricity providers. In so doing, the EPA has created a new electricity product class for federal contracts. This landmark switch to renewable power serves as a model for other federal facilities, businesses and residences.