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.
