The Energy Management program works to improve the energy and water efficiency of USDA facilities nationwide in support of the goals and objectives of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) and Executive Order 13123 (103kb), Greening the Government Through Efficient Energy Management.

The Federal Government is the nation's single largest consumer of energy resources. Reducing the amount of energy used and improving energy efficiency has positive impacts for both the economy and the environment.

The Energy Management program personnel serve as the point of contact between the Department of Energy and USDA's agencies and offices in implementing the goals and requirements of the energy and water efficiency program throughout USDA.

USDA owns and operates over 20,000 buildings nationwide, and the variety of size, purpose, and geographic dispersion of this inventory makes achieving energy goals challenging. As of FY 2004, USDA Laboratories decreased overall energy intensity by 45% compared to the FY 1990 base year; this exceeds the Executive Order's goal of a 20% reduction by FY 2005.

To meet these challenges and achieve the targeted goals of EPAct and the Executive Order, an Energy Management Team has been established in USDA. This team developed a USDA Strategic Implementation Plan, which is on record with the Department of Energy and the Office of Management and Budget.

For Further Information Contact Mr. Charles Johnson, 202.720.2941 or by email Charles.D.Johnson@usda.gov