Biden Administration Directs Federal Employees to Prioritize Sustainable Travel
Move Expected to Significantly Reduce Federal Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- President Biden's administration has issued a directive for all government employees to prioritize sustainable transportation, such as electric vehicles and trains, for official travel.
- In 2022, federal employees took over 2.8 million flights, 2.3 million vehicle rentals, and 33,000 rail trips, amounting to $2.8 billion in travel expenses.
- Federal travel accounts for 1.8% of federal greenhouse gas emissions, and this move is expected to significantly reduce this figure.
- The directive also includes a sustainable aviation strategic plan, requiring airlines to submit details on their fuel and operational efficiencies.
- Government agencies have 120 days to report their action plans to the Office of Management and Budget and the White House Council on Environmental Quality.