GovernmentExecutive.com

A bipartisan group of senators on Tuesday proposed legislation to require the federal government to meet higher energy efficiency standards in its buildings and vehicles, as well as advance research into alternative fuels and guarantee loans to auto makers building fuel efficient cars.

Its sponsors say the "Efficiency Promotion Act" is one more step on the path to fuel independence and environmental protection.

"We believe this is a step forward," said Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., who joined with ranking member Pete Domenici, R-N.M., on the bill.

It would force the federal government to increase its purchase of electricity generated by renewable sources to 10 percent by 2010, reduce energy use in federal buildings by 30 percent by 2015 and reduce gas consumption 30 percent by 2016. It also increases the emphasis on research into fuel and battery technologies.

The bill could be rolled into a larger energy package, which might include a previous bill proposed by Bingaman and Domenici mandating the use of 36 billions gallons of biofuels by 2022. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has said he wants the Senate to consider energy legislation before the Memorial Day weekend.

COMMENTS

• Here's an idea: Turn up the thermostat! The typical government facility is freezing, in regards to the average person. It is so cold in our office that people put space heaters in their offices, increasing energy use even further. The government suggestion to the American public is near 78 degrees in the summer, and 68 degrees in the winter. Heed your own advice! GovExec.com reader Posted April 19, 2007 1:43 PM
• It sounds like just another knee jerk response to get attention. The Congress allowed the government to grow fat and wasteful. They have allowed excessive growth and do little to eliminate waste and mismanagement short of having meetings and the problem remains. You can't just make federal buildings energy efficient by creating new laws. The government has to be run efficiently and changes have to be made to eliminate obsolete and wasteful government programs. Closing redundant facilities and the elimination of excessive layers of management reduces energy consumption. How much energy do you suppose is wasted just in travel that for business that could be resolved using the Internet? Federal employees are notorious for creating reasons to travel. That's got to change. Robert M. Posted April 18, 2007 6:48 AM