American Sustainable Business Network Celebrates Executive Order to Cut Emissions and Expand Electrification 

Media Release

Washington, DC – The American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) announced its enthusiastic support for today’s executive order (EO) that seeks to reestablish the federal government as a leader in sustainability and transform Federal procurement and operations and secure a transition to clean, zero-emission technologies. This is expected to result in a carbon pollution-free electricity sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy-wide by no later than 2050. 

“This order recognizes the real risks of inaction as well as the opportunities to harness the buying power of the U.S. government to advance climate-related priorities for the U.S. people and our economy,” said Jeffrey Hollender, CEO of ASBN. “By using the massive purchasing power and influence of the federal government, this administration is showing its commitment to a faster transition to an economy powered by renewable, clean energy. That’s good for business and our environment.” 

“In addition to its leadership on issues of tremendous importance to the environment, this order begins to deliver on the administration’s promise to improve economic justice and advances the President’s goals of the Justice40 Initiative by ensuring that economic equity and environmental justice are key considerations in government purchasing,” said David Levine, President of ASBN. “This ensures that government contracting and procurement opportunities are available on a more equitable basis.” 

Among the significant environmental wins for American businesses and our economy are the following five pillars: 

  • 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE) by 2030, at least half of which will be locally supplied clean energy to meet 24/7 demand; 
  • 100 percent zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) acquisitions by 2035, including 100 percent zero-emission light-duty vehicle acquisitions by 2027; 
  • Net-zero emissions from federal procurement no later than 2050, including a Buy Clean policy to promote use of construction materials with lower embodied emissions; 
  • A net-zero emissions building portfolio by 2045, including a 50 percent emissions reduction by 2032; and, 
  • Net-zero emissions from overall federal operations by 2050, including a 65 percent emissions reduction by 2030. 

In addition to these five new commitments, the President also directed the federal government to orient its procurement and operations efforts in line with the following principles and goals: 

  • Achieving climate resilient infrastructure and operations; 
  • Building a climate- and sustainability-focused workforce; 
  • Advancing environmental justice and equity; 
  • Prioritizing the purchase of sustainable products, such as products without added perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); and, 
  • Accelerating progress through domestic and international partnerships.