SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 24, 2004): Consumers in the Pacific Northwest have a new, reliable way to distinguish cleaner, high quality options when shopping for renewable energy. The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) recently released Green-e certification standards for renewable electricity options sold in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The Green-e logo will now appear next to certified renewable energy options that meet strict environmental and consumer protection standards set by stakeholders from the Pacific Northwest.

For several years the region’s electricity providers, environmental organizations, consumer protection advocates, government officials, and renewable energy generators have worked together on the “Renew 2000” program to set regional certification standards for renewable energy. The Renew 2000 set of standards was submitted to, and approved by, the national utility advisory Board of the Green-e Renewable Energy Program.

“Regional stakeholders have worked cooperatively and set standards by adapting Green-e’s national standard to accommodate region-specific environmental, regulatory and market supply issues” said Rachel Shimshak, Director of Renewable Northwest Project and member of the national Green-e advisory board. “It is great to see this diverse group come together and agree on a method of consumer protection.”

“We’re delighted to have a Green-e standard for Pacific Northwest consumers,” said Dr. Jan Hamrin, Executive Director of the Center for Resource Solutions. “Consumers now have a way to differentiate cleaner, renewable electricity and can be assured that the electricity is independently verified.”

To be eligible for Green-e certification in the Northwest, 100% of a product's energy supply must come from renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass or low- impact hydropower, and a significant portion must come from new projects located within the region. None of the electricity for the product can be purchased from fossil fuel or nuclear facilities.

The Center for Resource Solutions verifies that companies are meeting their requirements through an annual verification process by an independent auditor. In addition, Green-e staff conduct an annual review of product marketing materials to ensure companies are adhering to Green-e's Code of Conduct.

ABOUT CENTER FOR RESOURCE SOLUTIONS AND THE GREEN-E PROGRAM
Green-e is a program of the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS), a national nonprofit organization that makes it easier for people and organizations to use renewable energy. CRS designs and operates national and international programs that support the increased supply and use of renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and low-impact hydroelectric power. The Green-e Renewable Energy Certification Program is the nation's leading voluntary certification and verification program. Green-e currently certifies 60 products offered by 98 marketers. To learn more about CRS visit www.resource-solutions.org. To learn more about Green-e visit www.green-e.org, or call (888) 63GREEN.

ABOUT RENEWABLE NORTHWEST PROJECT
The Renewable Northwest Project (RNP) is a regional renewable advocacy organization promoting geothermal, solar and wind energy projects, programs and policies in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. RNP is the contact for Renew 2000, the Northwest regional stakeholder group to CRS and the Green-e program. Visit online at www.RNP.org or call 503-223-4544.

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