The Energy Department yesterday reported that the government has reduced its energy consumption by 17 percent over 1985 levels and is "well on the way" to meeting federal mandates calling for reductions of 20 percent by next year and 30 percent by 2005.
At a workshop sponsored by DOE, Federal Energy Management Programs, the General Services Administration and Washington Gas Light Co., GSA's Beth Shearer reported that "the consumption curve is definitely going downward. It looks like we'll be meeting our goals."
The agency is studying and using natural gas fuel cells and solar panels in its buildings and alternative fuels in agency vehicles. GSA's Thurman Davis: "We expect that 75% of the vehicles we will purchase [beginning this year] will use alternative fuel."
Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson: "The federal government has an opportunity and a responsibility to help build a market for more efficient energy use." Since 1985, federal spending on energy has dropped from about $15 billion to $8.2 billion in fiscal 1997 (Nathan Abse, Washington Post, 1/12).