Federal Sustainability (E.O. 14057)

Summary

Sets goals for the U.S. government to use 100% clean electricity and zero-emission vehicles to fight climate change and create jobs.

What problem does this solve?

The climate crisis creates large risks and costs for the nation. This order uses the government's massive buying power to shift the country toward clean energy, creating jobs and making operations more sustainable.

What does this order do?

Achieves 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030

Requires the federal government to use 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2030, with 50% of it being supplied on a 24/7 basis.

Transitions to an all zero-emission vehicle fleet

Mandates that all new light-duty vehicle purchases be zero-emission by 2027, and all new vehicle purchases of any size be zero-emission by 2035.

Creates a net-zero emissions building portfolio by 2045

Directs the government to achieve net-zero emissions across all its buildings by 2045, with a 50% reduction in emissions by 2032.

Establishes a 'Buy Clean' policy

Requires federal procurement to become net-zero and promotes the use of construction materials like concrete and steel with lower emissions throughout their lifecycle.

Reduces overall government emissions by 65%

Sets a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions from all federal operations by 65% by 2030, compared to 2008 levels.

Reestablishes the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer

Reestablishes the Office of the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer within the Council on Environmental Quality to lead and coordinate these efforts across the government.

Incorporates environmental justice

Requires agencies to consider environmental justice and the Justice40 Initiative in their operational planning and decision-making.

Who does this affect?

Federal agencies
Government contractors and suppliers
Clean energy industry

What is the real world impact?

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Uses government purchasing to boost the clean energy economy

Leverages the federal government's status as the nation's largest energy consumer to create a massive, stable market for clean energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable products, encouraging private investment.

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Sets a national example for climate action

Demonstrates a whole-of-government commitment to fighting climate change, aiming to inspire similar actions from state and local governments, private companies, and other countries.

When does this start?

This order became effective on December 8, 2021, and establishes several deadlines for federal agencies to meet over the next two decades.

Light-duty vehicle acquisitions

By 2027, 100% of new light-duty vehicles bought by the government must be zero-emission.

Government electricity usage

By 2030, the government must use 100% carbon pollution-free electricity.

Greenhouse gas reduction

By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions from federal operations must be reduced by 65% from 2008 levels.

Building emissions reduction

By 2032, emissions from federal buildings must be reduced by 50%.

All vehicle acquisitions

By 2035, 100% of all new vehicles bought by the government must be zero-emission.

Net-zero buildings

By 2045, the entire federal building portfolio must achieve net-zero emissions.