Thirteen of the nation's largest public utilities signed agreements with the Department of Energy (DOE), committing themselves to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a combined total of 2.5 million metric tons by 2000. Last year, over 800 utilities pledged to cooperate with the Clinton Administration's goal of reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2000 in all industrial sectors. These 13 are the first to actually sign agreements as part of the climate challenge program: City of Austin Electric Utility Department, Jacksonville Electric Authority, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Lower Colorado River Authority, Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Nebraska Public Power District, New York Power Authority, Omaha Public Power District, Orlando Utilities Commission, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), Salt River Project, Seattle City Light, and South Carolina Public Service Authority/Santee Cooper. The 13 utilities are members of the Large Public Power Council, which produces 5 percent of the nation's electricity and serves 40 percent of the nation's municipal customers.

DOE estimates that, without the President's program, greenhouse gas emissions would rise by 2000 to approximately 100 million metric tons above the 1990 level of 1,344 million metric tons. SMUD plans the largest individual reduction, reducing its contribution to greenhouse gases by as much as 30 percent over the next five years, largely through increased use of renewables such as wind, solar, and fuel cells. Seattle City Light plans to meet all load growth over the next 10 years with demand-side management programs. Other planned measures include recycling fly ash from coal plants, planting trees, and converting residual oil-fired generating units to burn both oil and natural gas.

Energy Secretary Hazel R. O'Leary said the utilities are "off to a good start," and praised the voluntary nature of the program.

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