The United States government is a major part of the nation’s economy. It purchases vehicles, occupies over 300,000 buildings, and sets standards for all types of goods and services through its procurement.
Now, the government is using this market power to lead by example in clean energy production and net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
“Today, I signed an executive order directing the federal government to achieve net zero emissions by 2050,” tweeted President Biden on December 8.
The ambitious new executive order places climate leadership, the creation of well-paying and equitable jobs, and economic growth at the center of its plan.
The outcomes — a greener and more sustainable planet — benefit the American people and citizens around the world. The executive order has five main requirements. By achieving net zero emissions within the federal government, the plan will help reduce the country’s carbon footprint and global environmental impact:
• 100% of the electricity used by the federal government will be carbon pollution-free by 2030, with at least half coming from locally sourced clean energy.
• All vehicles purchased by the government must be emission-free by 2035. For light-duty vehicles, the date is even earlier — 2027. These will replace the 600,000 vehicles currently in use by the U.S. government.
• All materials purchased by the federal government must achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This includes a “buy clean” policy for environmentally friendly construction materials.
• A portfolio of net zero emissions buildings by 2045 and a 50% reduction in emissions by 2032, to transform the current 300,000 buildings of the U.S. government.
• Net zero emissions from overall operations by 2050, including a 65% reduction in emissions by 2030.
“The executive order will reduce emissions across all federal operations, invest in American clean energy industries and manufacturing, and create clean, healthy, and resilient communities,” the White House said in announcing the president’s order.
Source: share.america.gov