Obama orders government to lead the way on emissions and efficiency

President Barack Obama yesterday ordered federal agencies to set a goal for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency by 2020.

The executive order gives agencies 90 days to set reduction targets for emissions. They have also been charged with reducing fuel use in their vehicle fleets by 30% and improving water efficiency by 26% by the same 2020 deadline.

Government buildings will also have to meet new standards for emissions and sustainability, aiming for net-zero-energy by 2030.

“The federal government can and should lead by example when it comes to creating innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, conserve water, reduce waste, and use environmentally-responsible products and technologies,” said Obama in a statement.

The federal government constitutes the largest single consumer of energy in the US thanks to its 500,000 buildings and 600,000 vehicles and purchases more than $500 billion worth of goods and services a year.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy has announced $72 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for energy efficiency and conservation projects in seven states.

The award to Idaho, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota and the US Virgin Islands under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) programme will support the drawing up of energy efficiency strategies and building codes, as well as establishing incentive programmes.

For further information:
www.whitehouse.gov/
www.eecbg.energy.gov/
www.recovery.gov

06 October 2009

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