US government issues new directive to reduce federal energy use

February 19, 2007—President George W. Bush issued an Executive Order on January 24, 2007, instituting new guidance for energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, and reduction of environmental impact throughout the federal government.

The order calls upon all federal agencies to “improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the agency, through reduction of energy intensity by (i) 3 percent annually through the end of fiscal year 2015, or (ii) 30 percent by the end of fiscal year 2015, relative to the baseline of the agency’s energy use in fiscal year 2003” and “ensure that (i) at least half of the statutorily required renewable energy consumed by the agency in a fiscal year comes from new renewable sources, and (ii) to the extent feasible, the agency implements renewable energy generation projects on agency property for agency use.”

The order also calls for agencies to reduce fleet fuel consumption by two percent annually through fiscal year 2015, increase use of non-petroleum fuels by 10 percent annually and use plug-in hybrid vehicles when they are commercially available and reasonably priced, as well as considering the highest energy efficiency and environmental standards when purchasing new electronics.

For the full text of the Executive Order, “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management,” visit online.

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