President Obama appears to be taking initiative in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, setting a reduction target for the Federal Government of 28% by 2020. “As the largest energy consumer in the United Sates,” Obama said, “we have a responsibility to American citizens to reduce our energy use and become more efficient.”
It is encouraging to have a leader in Washington willing to lead by example and to take responsibility in addressing the Federal Government’s energy use. I was heartened by Obama’s 2010 state of the union address in which he acknowledged the need for a comprehensive energy and climate bill and stated “even if you doubt the evidence, providing incentives for energy-efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our future…” But do these statements promise action? Are these reduction targets going to stand the test of “political time,” which is notoriously shortsighted and subject to personal agendas?
I want to be optimistic, but can’t help but a be a bit skeptical. What sorts of incentives will be provided? Will there be federal mandates for energy efficiency? Are there concrete, specific steps to achieve reduction targets?
According to the White House website, Federal Departments and Agencies will achieve GHG pollution reductions by measuring their current energy/fuel use, becoming more energy efficient and shifting to clean energy sources. Agencies are to set sustainability plans, to be validated and scored by the Office of Management and Budget, and progress, to be measured and reported online to the public annually, will ensure accountability.
I’d be interested to hear what other people think about this federal initiative. As with anything requiring a shift from business-as-usual to business-as-necessary, sustained commitment to meaningful action is key. My hope is that this federal target, the aggregate of 35 Federal Agency self-reported targets, is more than mere greenwashing. I agree with President Obama; the Federal Government does have a responsibility to cut its own emissions if it expects all other players to follow suit. And hopefully all other players can move forward, doing as Washington does, not just as Washington says.
You can find examples of energy actions currently underway at , www.whitehouse.gov/ceq, the White House Council on Environmental Quality website.
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