Last week President Obama announced several initiatives to continue implementation of the Climate Action Plan announced last summer. The Administration announced that the DOE Better Buildings Challenge will expand its program to multi-family housing and has started three Better Buildings accelerators focused on energy data, performance contracting, and industrial performance.
In addition, the White House issued a Presidential Memorandum that builds on Executive Order 13514 by doubling the federal agency renewable energy targets and increasing the authority for entering into performance contracts.
Finally, the Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program has started a new energy efficiency loan program for rural utilities that will provide as much as $250 million for efficiency and renewable projects for residences and businesses in rural communities.
Given the inaction of Congress on climate, the President seems to be doing everything he can using his existing authority to ensure that the federal government can serve as an example for increased efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
