BUSH ORDERS INCREASED ENERGY SAVINGS

President Bush has ordered federal agencies in the U.S. to redouble their conservation efforts. Goal of the executive order is to reduce 1985 federal energy consumption 20% by 2000. The Department of Energy said that effectively will double requirements of existing law and will save the U.S. government $800 million/year in energy spending by 2000. Energy Sec. James Watkins said, "The executive order, developed as part of our balanced National Energy Strategy, demonstrates this

April 29, 1991

2 min read

President Bush has ordered federal agencies in the U.S. to redouble their conservation efforts.

Goal of the executive order is to reduce 1985 federal energy consumption 20% by 2000. The Department of Energy said that effectively will double requirements of existing law and will save the U.S. government $800 million/year in energy spending by 2000.

Energy Sec. James Watkins said, "The executive order, developed as part of our balanced National Energy Strategy, demonstrates this administration's commitment to energy efficiency."

The 1988 Federal Energy Management Improvement Act ordered the federal government to reduce energy use per square foot in federal buildings 10% by 1995. The latest order requires another 10% savings by 2000.

It also requires a 20% cut in energy use at federal industrial facilities, compared with 1985 levels.

And it orders a 10% reduction in fuel used by federal vehicles by 1995, compared with 1991 levels, and directs federal agencies to acquire the maximum number of original equipment alternative fueled vehicles as practical by the end of 1995.

Agencies also are ordered to buy energy efficient products as much as possible and participate in energy demand management programs.

DOE said the federal government used about 2 quadrillion BTU of energy in 1989 at a cost of $8.7 billion.

The latest order is expected to reduce fuel costs $700 million/year for buildings, $30 million/year for vehicles, and $50-100 million/year for industrial facilities.