[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 18 (Monday, May 7, 2001)]
[Page 698]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Memorandum on Energy Conservation at Federal Facilities

May 3, 2001

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

Subject: Energy Conservation at Federal Facilities

    A key component of my Administration's overall commitment to make 
the most economical use of public dollars and to protect the environment 
is to improve energy conservation at Federal facilities. Further, with 
possible electricity shortages in California and in the Northeast and 
Northwest this summer, the Federal Government should set a good example 
of conservation by reducing its own energy use, particularly in regions 
where electricity shortages may occur and during periods of peak 
electricity demand. Such conservation would save public money, protect 
the environment, and help to minimize shortages.
    Therefore, I hereby direct the heads of executive departments and 
agencies (agencies) to take appropriate actions to conserve energy use 
at their facilities to the maximum extent consistent with the effective 
discharge of public responsibilities. Agencies located in regions where 
electricity shortages are possible should conserve especially during 
periods of peak demand.
    In addition, agencies should review their existing operating and 
administrative processes and conservation programs and identify and 
implement ways to reduce such use. Agencies should report to me, through 
the Secretary of Energy, within 30 days from the date of this memorandum 
on the conservation actions taken. The agencies shall take these and 
other appropriate energy conservation actions using existing budget 
authority.
                                                George W. Bush