GovExec.com:
A bipartisan group of senators on Tuesday proposed legislation to require the federal government to meet higher energy efficiency standards in its buildings and vehicles, as well as advance research into alternative fuels and guarantee loans to auto makers building fuel efficient cars.
Its sponsors say the "Efficiency Promotion Act" is one more step on the path to fuel independence and environmental protection.
"We believe this is a step forward," said Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., who joined with ranking member Pete Domenici, R-N.M., on the bill.
What this would do is create a guaranteed market for new technologies. Wisconsin did something similar years ago with recycled paper. By requiring government to buy recycled paper when possible, it gave industry a reason to innovate -- you could develop a product that you knew there was a market for. Those innovations eventually made their way into the broader market.
An added bonus here would be reducing the emissions from government fleet vehicles right off the bat.
