President Biden has signed an executive order that would make the U.S. federal government aim for a 65% reduction by 2030 and carbon neutral by 2050.
The order directs federal agencies to buy only zero-emissions vehicles by 2035 and to upgrade their buildings so they can reach zero emissions by 2045.
The move builds on previous steps Biden has taken to leverage the federal government’s purchasing power in the fight against climate change.
“As the single largest landowner, energy consumer, and employer in the Nation, the Federal Government can catalyze private sector investment and expand the economy and American industry by transforming how we build, buy, and manage electricity, vehicles, buildings, and other operations to be clean and sustainable,” the executive order stated.
For perspective, the federal government owns more than 650,000 vehicles and buys about 50,000 each year.
The procurement rules can take effect almost immediately but could be reversed by a future administration.
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