General Services Administration, El Paso Electric to develop carbon pollution-free means of electricity for federal facilities

As a result of a new agreement between the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and El Paso Electric (EPE), carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE) tariffs or other means to supply federal facilities in parts of Texas and New Mexico will be developed.

The announcement was made with publication of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the two entities, focused on federal facilities within the company’s service territory. As it is early in the agreement, the two still need to develop a roadmap for agencies in that region to buy more CFE. Ultimately, though, the Biden administration stated this would advance its federal sustainability goals and build both clean energy jobs and healthier communities in the region.

“This is GSA’s fifth MOU with a utility company and it’s the latest example of how the federal government is leading by example in addressing climate change,” GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan said. “Through smart partnerships with energy providers, we can help advance sustainability, create jobs, save taxpayer dollars, and ensure a healthier planet for our kids.”

Taken as a whole, the federal government is the largest energy consumers in the United States. As such, reducing its emissions has been a major focus for the Biden administration and its green sustainability push. Over the past three years, the government has signed agreements to provide federal facilities in 18 states with 100 percent CFE by 2030. It is estimated this would increase governmental reliance on clean energy up from 38 percent to 48 percent.

The Biden administration still desires 100 percent clean energy for the government and its more than 300,000 buildings and 600,000 vehicles by 2030.

“We are proud to align our decarbonization goals with GSA and be able to provide eco-friendly energy solutions to our customers,” Kelly Tomblin, El Paso Electric president and CEO, said. “This partnership exemplifies our dedication to sustainable practices and underscores the importance of collective action for a greener, more environmentally responsible future.”

The GSA noted that it would continue to engage with EPE and other utilities to explore further CFE solutions going forward.