As part of our commitment to lead by example, yesterday, Federal agencies released Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans that outline how they will achieve the environmental, economic and energy goals called for by President Obama. This is the first time agencies have developed and submitted Sustainability Plans, now available here.
In the President’s 2009 Executive Order on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance, he asked agencies to develop, implement and annually update a plan that prioritizes sustainability actions based on a positive return on investment for the American taxpayer. The goal is to meet energy, water, and waste reduction targets that will save taxpayer dollars, create clean energy jobs, and reduce pollution.
Federal agencies of all sizes came up with a range of sustainability actions that align with their individual missions and responsibilities. At the Department of Defense, for example, the Air Force has a plan to certify all of its aircraft to operate with a 50 percent alternative fuel blend by 2011. And at the Department of Transportation, they’ve established an awards program to highlight and promote intra-agency best practices in waste prevention, recycling, and green procurement.
The Federal Government has an obligation to lead by example toward a sustainable future. Today we took another step in the right direction.
Article by Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality
