Gabby Kientzle, gabby.kientzle@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC - Today, the Department of Energy finalized a rule that will eliminate the use of fossil fuels in new and majorly renovated federal buildings beginning in 2030. Congressionally mandated by a bipartisan law passed in 2007, this long-awaited standard will cut taxpayer costs, reduce pollution, and improve grid reliability by improving energy efficiency of one of the nation’s largest energy consumers - the federal government.
The rule is expected to lead to carbon emissions reductions of 2 million metric tons and methane emission reductions of 16 thousand tons, which is the equivalent of the climate pollution from 310,000 homes in one year. Total net benefits to the public are also expected to range from $52M to nearly $134M. Not only will the Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings standard reduce air pollution in cities with major federal offices, but it will also unleash the buying power of the federal government for electric space and water heating appliances. This market influence will help bring down costs of energy efficient, electric appliances across the board.
In response, Director of Sierra Club’s Building Electrification Campaign Amneh Minkara released the following statement:
“The Biden administration is walking the talk when it comes to ensuring we have safe and healthy buildings that do not significantly contribute to dangerous air pollution or the climate crisis. This new standard is directly targeted for buildings owned or operated by the federal government, but it will have far-reaching benefits on the health of employees and neighboring communities, the reliability of the grid, and costs for taxpayers and consumers. Without much upfront cost difference, the taxpayer will save on energy costs in the long run and will see benefits in the market when they need to purchase their own equipment. With this new federal building standard, everyone wins.”
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.