WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama ordered federal agencies on Monday to set a goal within 90 days for cutting their greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, the White House said, aiming to "lead by example" in fighting climate change.
"The Federal government can and should lead by example when it comes to creating innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, conserve water, reduce waste, and use environmentally-responsible products and technologies," Obama said in a statement.
Obama, noting the federal government was the largest consumer of energy in the U.S. economy, signed an executive order that also mandated federal agencies to reduce petroleum consumption in their fleets.
(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Eric Walsh)
