EPA Recognizes city of Dallas for leading Green Power Purchase

DALLAS – The City of Dallas announced today that for the first time it appears on two of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) lists of largest green power purchasers: Top 10 Local Governments List and the National Top 25 List.

The City of Dallas is purchasing nearly 334 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power in 2008, which is enough green power to meet 40 percent of the organization’s purchased electricity use. This purchase lands the City of Dallas in the No. 1 spot on the EPA’s Top 10 Local Government List and No. 9 on the National Top 25 List. The National Top 25 List includes leading U.S. organizations — from Fortune 500 companies to local, state and federal governments, and a growing number of colleges and universities.

“This ranking will demonstrate that Dallas is not only committed to improving the environment, but is committed to being the Greenest City in America ,” said Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert.

“The City of Dallas understands that each of us – every individual, every business, every government must act to protect our environment. And this city knows it must lead by example, and the best way to do that is with our purchasing clout. Clearly, this ranking demonstrates on a national level that our commitment is solid, and I am confident we will continue to be a leader on a local and national level, because it’s the right thing to do for our future,” added Leppert.

Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. These resources generate electricity with a net zero increase in carbon dioxide emissions, while offering a superior environmental profile compared to traditional power generation sources. The City of Dallas is currently buying 40 percent of its total purchased electricity from renewable sources, primarily wind.

“EPA applauds our local government partners for protecting our environment by purchasing green power,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “By voluntarily shifting to renewable energy, the City of Dallas is proving you don’t need to wait for a signal in order to go green.”

This purchase also qualifies the City of Dallas for the EPA’s Green Power Leadership Club, a distinction given to organizations that have significantly exceeded EPA’s minimum purchase requirements. Green Power Leadership Club members must purchase ten times the partnership’s minimum requirement organization-wide. The City of Dallas ‘ commitment to green power helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also supporting the development of new renewable generation capacity nationwide.

“This is a huge honor and we are proud to be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said City Manager Mary K. Suhm. “Purchasing green power helps our organization become more sustainable, while also sending a message to others across the U.S. that supporting clean sources of electricity is a sound business decision and an important choice in reducing climate risk.”