Federal Government Energy Management Improvement Act

H.R. 1346, the Federal Government Energy Management Improvement Act, establishes new standards and incentives to reduce energy consumption across the federal government. The bill sets specific energy reduction goals for federal buildings through 2013, mandates the installation of advanced electricity meters to better track usage, and allows agencies to keep and reinvest the money they save from energy efficiency projects into new green technology.

For the average citizen, this legislation aims to ensure more responsible use of taxpayer dollars by lowering the government's utility and fuel costs. It requires federal agencies to purchase energy-efficient products, such as those with the "Energy Star" label, and encourages the use of alternative fuel vehicles in federal fleets. Additionally, the bill directs a study on how increased telecommuting for federal employees could further reduce national energy consumption and traffic congestion.