Maine Executive Order 13 on sustainability

Maine Governor Janet T. Mills has issued an executive order calling for state agencies to "lead by example through energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability measures." Signed on November 26, 2019, her Executive Order 13 sets a state policy goal and directs state agencies to take various actions addressing sustainability.

The preamble to Executive Order 13 cites context including the negative impacts of climate change on Maine; Maine's pledges to be carbon neutral by 2045 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% below 1990 levels by 2030 and by at least 80% by 2050; Maine's expanded renewable portfolio standard which now requires 80% renewable energy by 2030 and a goal of 100% by 2050; opportunities for beneficial electrification of heating and transportation; and the work of the newly formed Maine Climate Council. It concludes with the philosophy that "state government should lead by example and invest in renewable energy, increase energy efficiency and resiliency, encourage waste reduction, and strive to reduce operational costs."

Operationally, Executive Order 13 contains seven core sections. Section 1 establishes a state policy goal:

Maine state government will lead by example in investing in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions reductions; promoting health and sustainability in the workplace; and building resilient infrastructure. State government operations will strive to equal or exceed Maine's emissions reduction targets and seek cost efficiencies. State facilities will be designed with greater resilience to new climate conditions. These efforts aim to reduce waste, promote employee health and increase operational efficiency.

Section 2 calls for the Governor's Energy Office and the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future to convene a Sustainability Leadership Committee with representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection, Efficiency Maine Trust, Department of Administrative and Financial Services, and Department of Transportation, to develop a baseline of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from state operations by February 1, 2021, and for subsequent biannual reporting.

Section 3 requires state agencies to by February 1, 2021 coordinate with the Leadership Committee to develop and implement a sustainability plan to meet or exceed the state's renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction timelines and targets.

Section 4 focuses on responsible procurement, requiring state agencies to "reduce their impact on the environment and enhance public health by procuring environmentally preferable products and services whenever such products and services are readily available, perform to satisfactory standards, and represent best value to the State of Maine."

Other sections require state agencies to encourage practices that lead to healthier and less wasteful workplaces; to promote the resiliency of new state facilities, other construction projects, and leased space; and to designate a state sustainability coordinator to facilitate and support activities across agencies.