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WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. President Barack Obama ordered the federal government to promote greener employee commuting habits, reduced business travel and other measures to scale back indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 13 percent by 2020.
The indirect emissions reduction target goes beyond what the President previously committed for direct sources: a 28 percent reduction by 2020, based on 2008 levels. Combined, the reduction in emissions would be equivalent to the 101 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.
The U.S. government spent $24.5 billion on fuel and energy in 2008.
"Every year, the Federal Government consumes more energy than any other single organization or company in the United States," President Obama said in a statement Wednesday. "That energy goes towards lighting and heating government buildings, fueling vehicles and powering federal projects across the country and around the world. The government has a responsibility to use that energy wisely, to reduce consumption, improve efficiency, use renewable energy, like wind and solar, and cut costs."
Expanding bicycle commuting and using more renewable energy sources are some of the initiatives the government is adding to each agency's annual sustainability plan. The Washington Post reported the government will also lower indirect emissions by expanding recycling programs and locating future offices near mass transit systems.
Under a House bill passed last week, agencies would appoint telework managers to develop policies that promote teleworking, which, in addition to avoided emissions, could save the government millions of dollars in lost productivity during extreme weather.
Image CC licensed by Flickr blvesboy.
OPEC promises infinite supply
OPEC promises infinite supply of cheap oil to Americans - just because they like them ! Canada objects! They say they like American even more and will install nuclear reactors in Tar Sands to give more and cheaper oil to Americans! Chavez has change of heart and offers Americans even more and better priced oil! Obama the Socialist is on a winning streak! New oil finds in America promise to outlast even the Saudis wells! Texas is revived, New oil found in copious amounts! American V-8 sales revived! Oldsmobiles are once again on sale on every street corner in America! Americans have two SUV's in every driveway again! God grants every American citizen a special mark on his forehead entitling him to free fill-ups if he drive and American V-8 vehicle weighing over 4000 pounds! oil is synthesized from CO2 by Solar power and special catylists just for Americans! The world bows down in shame for ever doubting "entitlement" and the superiority of Americans! Eternal life is granted by God to some Americans for their role in the oil endeavor!
Government definitely has a
Government definitely has a role to play in terms of enforcing efficiencies within it's own confines as well as in terms of stable and predictable incentives (both carrot and stick) to spur progress in wider society. The question is, with constant obstruction by so many oil-bought and misguidedly fanatic politicians, will that role ever be appropriately filled.
Here are a few examples from around the globe of how this can work:
http://2greenenergy.com/foreign-investment-2/2952/
Certainly our military - being the largest single consumer of petroleum in the US - can greatly benefit from increased efficiencies and the use of renewable resources in the field. Additionally, as our dangerous dependence on foreign resources falls away, so will the likelihood that our brave and honorable men and women will be committed and sacrificed to the occupation of hostile territory in order to maintain our access to those resources.
Craig Shields, Editor, 2GreenEnergy.com, and author, Renewable Energy - Facts and Fantasies (2010)
NOT SO FAST! Yes they passed
NOT SO FAST! Yes they passed it and so did the Senate pass S707 BUT each bill now has to go to committee AGAIN and the differences worked out for a final bill. THEN the Senate and House have to vote AGAIN!!! There is not that much time left with Summer session and Lame Duck season upon us. I'm just not thinking that this will be done because of the speed of our government. For example.. govtrack shows S707 "still at desk" and has not moved for months.. Honestly, whats the hold up.