Sacramento, CA…Taking the next step in its pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Caltrans signed an agreement with Sacramento Utility District (SMUD) to participate in their Greenergy® program, which will provide the department with 100 percent electricity from renewable resources, such as wind, sun and biomass to power the department’s buildings, highway lighting and traffic signals.

“Caltrans is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and actively implementing new solutions to decrease our carbon footprint,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “SMUD’s Greenergy program will have a sustainable impact on the way we do business and help us provide a healthier environment for Californians and future generations.”

Last year, Caltrans averaged 15.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity in the SMUD territory. The amount of electricity is equivalent to 10,840 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which is similar to 1.2 million gallons of gasoline consumed or 11.6 million pounds of coal burned. Moving forward, the Greenergy program will help eliminate these greenhouse gas emissions and provide cleaner, healthier air quality for the Sacramento region.

“We’re focused on providing our business customers with programs that help them achieve their goals in cost-effective ways,” said SMUD Chief Customer Officer Nicole Howard. “Caltrans’ effort to help reduce the region’s greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and protect the environment is something we’re very proud to support.”

SMUD — Sacramento’s community-owned, not-for-profit electric service — is offering the Greenergy program to help all state agencies comply with Governor Brown’s Executive Orders: https://www.gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=17506.

Caltrans is actively cutting greenhouse gas emissions by reducing traffic congestion, expanding active transportation, and embracing new technology in construction materials, alternative fuels, efficient lighting and renewable energy. Its efforts include new standards for concrete production that cut emissions by more than 108,000 metric tons annually. Caltrans is also installing roadway lighting and using alternative fuels to cut greenhouse gases equivalent to 41,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide. For more information visit: http://www.dot.ca.gov/sustainability/.

SMUD’s award-winning Greenergy program allows customers to purchase up to 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources. Established in 1997, Greenergy is one of the largest programs of its kind in the nation and currently has over 70,000 participating residential and business customers. As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for more than 65 years to Sacramento County (and small adjoining portions of Placer and Yolo Counties)