Executive Order 2019-01: Commonwealth Leadership in Addressing Climate Change and Promoting Energy Conservation and Sustainable Governance

Sets goal to reduce statewide emissions by 26% below 2005 levels by 2025, and an 80% reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 from 2005 levels. Sets goals to reduce agency energy use by 3% per year and 21% by 2025 below 2017 levels, replace 25% of state car fleet with BEV and PHEV cars by 2025, and procure enough renewable energy to offset 40% of annual agency electricity use.

The GreenGov Council – co-chaired by the Secretaries of the departments of General Services, Environmental Protection, and Conservation and Natural Resources – encourages the incorporation of environmentally sustainable practices into the Commonwealth's policy, planning, operations, procurement, and regulatory functions. The Council works with state agencies to promote best practices, continuous improvement, and success in achieving the energy efficiency and performance goals established in Executive Order 2019-01.  

The GreenGov Council launched the Pennsylvania Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience Network ("the PA Climate Network") in 2023 to promote climate problem solving and human-centered solutions for Pennsylvania. The PA Climate Network strives to be a self-sustaining, member-driven organization that connects and educates diverse stakeholders across Pennsylvania, ensuring they have the expertise, knowledge, and collaborative partnerships to advance informed climate solutions. The PA Climate Network serves as a trusted resource for sharing best practices and advancing climate education and literacy throughout the commonwealth for all Pennsylvanians.

GreenGov Council - PA Climate Network

Any new building construction project, build-to-suit leased building, or renovation project by a Commonwealth agency that costs more than 50 percent of the replacement cost of the building, where the design of the project commences after the effective date of the Executive Order, shall be designed and constructed as a high-performance building achieving a 10 percent reduction in energy consumption over ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1.2016. Agencies may seek US Green Building Council LEED certification, Green Building Initiative Green Globe rating, or a comparable numeric rating from another accredited sustainable building certification program where appropriate.

Performance Goals for State Agencies - Building Standards

All agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction shall: procure renewable energy to offset at least 40 percent of the Commonwealth’s annual electricity use and evaluate opportunities to source electricity through Pennsylvania Certified Tier I credits, and/or direct purchase of renewable power generation sited within Pennsylvania.

Performance Goals for State Agencies - Electricity Procurement

All agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction shall: replace 25% of the state passenger car fleet with battery electric and plug-in electric hybrid cars by 2025 and evaluate opportunities for the reduction of vehicle miles traveled and incorporation of new technology where appropriate.

Performance Goals for State Agencies - Transportation

All agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction shall: collectively reduce overall energy consumption by 3 percent per year, and 21 percent by 2025 from 2017 levels.

GreenGov Council - PA Climate Network

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