Lead by Example: Obama Orders Emissions Cuts for Federal Agencies
Though energy policy and the passing of climate change legislation is a time consuming process, President Obama displayed on Monday the power of an executive order. Obama has called on all federal agencies to set goals for deep emissions cuts by 2020. These agencies must create individual plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within 90 days. After the creation of these goals, the agencies must employ new strategies and technologies to meet targeted emission levels by 2020.
The executive order issued by Obama also includes environmental measures such as reducing petroleum use, improving the efficiency of water usage, and increasing rates of recycling. All of these measures, according to Obama, allow the federal government to lead by example in the fight against climate change. As the federal government is the largest consumer of energy in the US economy, this not only shows a leadership initiative, but will cut down on emissions substantially.
By using executive authority, Obama has greased the gears for a more energy efficient and low emission economy. This political move has come at an important time as the Senate attempt s to pass a clean energy bill (see my last post) and the United Nations meet in December to discuss a global warming treaty in Copenhagen. Sometimes, presidential power can get things moving pretty quickly and Obama has made smart use of his authority to direct the US economy towards a clean energy future.
Read the full article at Reuters
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