Obama sets emission cut goals for government

WASHINGTON — President Obama ordered the federal government Thursday to cut greenhouse emissions by 40% over the next decade, and said he hopes private businesses and other nations will follow suit.

The executive order signed by Obama also directed the government to increase its use of renewable resources to 30% of energy use.

"These are ambitious goals, but we know that they're achievable goals," Obama told reporters after he examined the solar panel technology at the U.S. Department of Energy.

In addition, the White House said that several major federal suppliers — including IBM, General Electric, Northrop Grumman and Honeywell — have committed to their own reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.Obama met with some of those suppliers during his trip to the energy department.

More businesses and homeowners should use cleaner energy, Obama said, not just "because it's simply good for the environment, but because it's good for their bottom lines."

Obama issued the order as he prepares to meet Thursday afternoon with Prince Charles of the United Kingdom, a proponent of climate change legislation.

The United States and allies are also hoping to forge a global climate treaty by the end of the year.

After signing his latest executive order, Obama said that "we thought it was important for us to lead by example here at the federal government."