President Obama signed an executive order today ordering federal agencies to reduce consumption and emissions by 2030.
"As the largest consumer of energy in the U.S. economy, 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,” Obama said.
Here’s a brief timeline of the executive order:
- 50% recycling and waste diversion by 2015.
- 30% reduction in petroleum use by 2020.
- 26% greater water efficiency by 2020.
- Net-zero-energy buildings by 2030.
Federal agencies will also be required to measure carbon emissions for the first time, including those from commuting employees.
The White House says that the new efficiency standards will save taxpayers money. I wonder if they apply to the Department of Defense?
Update 21:30 CST: “The executive order requires agencies to ‘measure, manage, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions toward agency-defined targets.’” So I guess that’s a big NO.