Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability

This executive order directs the federal government to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 through transforming federal procurement and operations, including 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2030, 100% zero-emission vehicle acquisitions by 2035, and net-zero emissions buildings by 2045. It establishes new governance structures including a Federal Chief Sustainability Officer and requires agencies to set targets, develop sustainability plans, and incorporate environmental justice considerations.

Federal Register Open PDF 86 FR 70935

Impact dates

Date TBD
100% carbon pollution-free electricity; 50% 24/7 matching
Date TBD
100% zero-emission light-duty vehicle acquisitions
Date TBD
100% zero-emission vehicle acquisitions (all classes)
Date TBD
50% non-hazardous solid waste diversion target
Date TBD
65% reduction in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from 2008 levels
Date TBD
75% waste diversion target
Date TBD
Net-zero emissions buildings, campuses, and installations
Date TBD
Net-zero emissions economy-wide
Apr 7, 2022
CEQ implementing guidance for agencies due
Mar 8, 2022
OPM report on sustainability training opportunities due
Jan 7, 2022
Agency Chief Sustainability Officer designations due

Key directives

100% carbon pollution-free electricity by FY2030 (50% 24/7 hourly matching)
100% zero-emission light-duty vehicle acquisitions by end of FY2027
100% zero-emission vehicle acquisitions by 2035
Net-zero emissions buildings by 2045 (50% reduction by 2032 from 2008 levels)
65% reduction in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2030 from 2008 levels
Net-zero emissions from federal procurement with Buy Clean policy
At least 50% waste diversion by FY2025, 75% by FY2030
Designate Agency Chief Sustainability Officers within 30 days
OPM report on sustainability training within 90 days
CEQ implementing guidance within 120 days
Establish Buy Clean Task Force and five Federal Leaders working groups
Incorporate Justice40 Initiative benefits into operational planning

Timeline

Immediate

Revocation of Executive Order 13834
Establishment of Federal Chief Sustainability Officer and working groups
Agency Chief Sustainability Officer designations required within 30 days

Near term (90d)

OPM report on sustainability training due within 90 days
CEQ implementing guidance due within 120 days
OMB memorandum on immediate actions
Annual Sustainability Plans and Climate Adaptation Plans development

Long term

50% waste diversion by FY2025
100% zero-emission light-duty vehicle acquisitions by FY2027
100% carbon pollution-free electricity by FY2030
50% building emissions reduction by 2032
100% zero-emission vehicle acquisitions by 2035
Net-zero emissions buildings by 2045
Net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050

Risks & tensions

Binding force uncertain: 'Shall' used for goals but implementation contingent on appropriations (Sec. 606(b))
Buy Clean policy scope vague—Task Force recommendations pending, no mandatory embodied emissions limits yet
Justice40 incorporation language ('consider incorporating') is advisory rather than mandatory
Exemption authority broad: national security, intelligence, and combat-related vehicles/equipment exempted (Sec. 602)
Independent agencies only 'encouraged' to implement, creating potential coverage gaps
24/7 hourly matching for 50% of electricity is technically demanding and may strain regional grid infrastructure
Performance contracting reliance (Sec. 205(c)(iv)) may face private capital availability constraints