Carolyn Morrisroe, carolyn.morrisroe@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the Biden administration proposed the Federal Supplier Climate Risks and Resilience Rule requiring major federal contractors to publicly disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and set targets for their reduction in line with the 2015 Paris Climate Accord. Standards for public procurement play an important role in establishing a lodestar for industry and represent a critical element of the whole-of-government approach to reducing toxic pollution from industrial production.
The proposed rule will help achieve U.S. climate goals and expand markets for contractors who set and meet emissions reduction targets. With resources made available through provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act to assist industry with this transition, the latest announcement is timely. Sierra Club also looks forward to additional guidelines on how these efforts align with the administration’s parallel goal of addressing harm to disadvantaged communities that have traditionally been marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by toxic climate pollution.
In Response, Sierra Club Living Economy Director Hebah Kassem Released the Following Statement:
“The Federal Supplier Climate Risks and Resilience Rule proposed by the Biden administration is another step forward in the initiative to lower industrial carbon emissions across the U.S. supply chain. Although this is a positive development, important metrics for success must include the reduction of toxic pollution from industrial facilities that disproportionately burden frontline communities and workers, in addition to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The long-term dividends of this expanded approach, in concert with efforts undertaken by other governments, promise to benefit the global community.
“We look forward to the government raising and expanding its standards to cover pollution beyond greenhouse gas emissions and tackle harm done to land, water, biodiversity, and human health during the full life-cycle of a product to ensure that U.S. climate goals deliver both a greener industry and environmental justice.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.