Federal Government Moves to Slash Its Emissions & Energy Costs

The White House today revealed details of a plan to slash the federal government’s energy usage. The move is expected to cut the federal government’s global warming pollution 28% by the end of this decade. It will also save taxpayers a boatload of money:

As the single largest energy consumer in the U.S. economy, the Federal Government spent more than $24.5 billion on electricity and fuel in 2008 alone. Achieving the Federal GHG pollution reduction target will reduce Federal energy use by the equivalent of 646 trillion BTUs, equal to 205 million barrels of oil, and taking 17 million cars off the road for one year. This is also equivalent to a cumulative total of $8 to $11 billion in avoided energy costs through 2020.

“As the largest energy consumer in the United States, we have a responsibility to American citizens to reduce our energy use and become more efficient,” said President Obama. “Our goal is to lower costs, reduce pollution, and shift Federal energy expenses away from oil and towards local, clean energy.”

Here’s what Larry Schweiger, president & CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, had to say about the plan:

Leadership starts from the top, and once again President Obama is showing his commitment to protecting our environment and promoting energy independence. This is a well-thought out plan that shows that we can significantly reduce pollution, save oil, and reduce our energy bills at the same time. This is good for taxpayers, it’s good for our children’s future, and it’s good for wildlife and the environment. If the federal government can cut pollution by 28% this decade while saving money, then imagine what the nation’s biggest corporate polluters could do if they focused on innovation and protecting our environment.

Yesterday, President Obama set a more modest goal for the nation as a whole, calling for a 17% pollution cut by 2020 as part of the Copenhagen Accord, consistent with the American Clean Energy & Security Act that passed the House last year. The Senate must pass clean energy and climate legislation this year to get America moving on the road to clean energy jobs, energy independence, and a healthy planet for future generations.

Email your Senators today!