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Pollution Prevention Program

Executive Orders 13514 & 13423 and Associated Documents

Executive Order (EO) 13514

EO 13514 (PDF), "Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance," was signed by President Obama on October 5, 2009. This EO does not rescind/eliminate the requirements of EO 13423 (PDF). Instead, it expands on the energy reduction and environmental performance requirements for Federal agencies identified in EO 13423. The goal of EO 13514 is "to establish an integrated strategy towards sustainability in the Federal Government and to make reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) a priority for Federal agencies."

In addition to guidance, recommendations, and plans which are due by specific dates, EO 13514 lays out the following numerical targets for agencies:

  • Reduce petroleum consumption by 2% per year through FY2020 (applies to agencies with fleets of more than 20 vehicles) (Baseline FY2005).
  • Potable water intensity by 2% per year through FY2020 (26% total reduction) (Baseline FY2007).
  • Industrial, landscaping, and agricultural water intensity by 2% per year through FY2020 (20% total reduction) (Baseline FY2010).
  • Achieve 50% or higher diversion rate in non-hazardous solid waste by FY2015.
  • Ensure at least 15% of existing buildings and leases (>5,000 gross sq ft) meet the Guiding Principles by FY2015, with continued progress towards 100%.
  • Ensure 95% of all new contracts, including non-exempt contract modifications, require products and services that are energy-efficient, water-efficient, bio-based, environmentally preferable, non-ozone depleting, contain recycled-content, and are non-toxic or less-toxic alternatives.

This EO also sets non-numerical targets that agencies must reach, including:

  • Increase renewable energy and renewable energy generation on agency property.
  • Pursue opportunities with vendors and contractors to reduce GHG emissions (i.e., transportation options and supply chain activities).
  • Reduce building energy intensity.
  • Ensure all new Federal buildings that enter the planning process in 2020 and thereafter are designed to achieve zero-net-energy standards by 2030.
  • Use low GHG emitting vehicles, including AFVs, and optimize the number of vehicles in agency fleets.
  • Implement water management strategies including water-efficient and low-flow fixtures.
  • Implement source reduction to minimize waste and pollutant generation.
  • Decrease use of chemicals directly associated with GHG emissions.
  • Participate in transportation planning and recognize existing infrastructure in regions/communities.
  • Ensure procurement preference for EPEAT-registered electronic products.

Beyond targets, EO 13514 calls for specific management strategies to improve sustainability including:

  • Develop and implement innovative, agency-specific policies and practices to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions in agency operations.
  • Manage existing buildings to reduce energy, water, and materials consumption.
  • Implement and achieve objectives in EPA's Stormwater Management Guidance (§14).
  • Reduce paper use and acquire paper containing at least 30% postconsumer fiber.
  • Minimize the acquisition, use, and disposal of toxic and hazardous materials.
  • Employ environmentally sound practices for the disposition of all agency excess or surplus electronic products.
  • Procure Energy Star and FEMP-designated electronic equipment.
  • Continue implementation of existing EMS programs.

Executive Order (EO) 13423

Executive Order 13423, “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management,” was signed by President Bush on January 24, 2007. EO 13423 instructs Federal agencies to conduct their environmental, transportation, and energy-related activities under the law in support of their respective missions in an environmentally, economically and fiscally sound, integrated, continuously improving, efficient, and sustainable manner. The Order sets goals in the following areas:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Acquisition
  • Renewable energy
  • Toxic chemical reduction
  • Recycling
  • Sustainable buildings
  • Electronics stewardship
  • Fleets
  • Water conservation

EO 13423 rescinds several previous EOs, including EO 13101, EO 13123, EO 13134, EO 13148, and EO 13149. In addition, the order requires more widespread use of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) as the framework in which to manage and continually improve these sustainable practices.

EO 13423 Guidance Document

On March 29, 2007 the following Guidance Document was released: Instructions for Implementing Executive Order 13423 (PDF).