PCAP - Presidential Climate Action Project

Determination of priorities which are warranted should be based on such considerations aspower-related values of an energy source, preservation of material resources, reduction ofpollutants, and export market potential (including reduction of imports), among others. On sucha basis, energy sources warranting priority might include, but not be limited to, the variousmethods of utilizing solar energy. 345Executive Orders. Executive orders are commonly used to establish or declare national policyand direct agencies to act in some manner consistent with the policy. The following are tworelevant examples.E.O. 11514, Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality, (March 5, 1970):Policy. The Federal Government shall provide leadership in protectingand enhancing the quality of the Nation’s environment to sustain andenrich human life. Federal agencies shall initiate measures needed todirect their policies, plans and programs so as to meet nationalenvironmental goals. The Council on Environmental Quality, through theChairman, shall advise and assist the President in leading this nationaleffort.The Order goes on to establish responsibilities of Federal agencies such as monitoring,evaluating, and controlling their agencies’ activities; developing procedures; reviewing theiragencies’ statutory authority, administrative regulations, and policies, etc. The Order is issued infurtherance of the purpose and policy of the National Environmental Policy Act and is essentiallyimplementing the Act.E.O. 13089, Coral Reef Protection, (June 11, 1998):Policy. All Federal agencies whose actions may affect U.S. coral reefecosystems shall: (a) identify their actions that may affect U.S. coral reefecosystems; (b) utilize their programs and authorities to protect andenhance the conditions of such ecosystems; and (c) to the extent permittedby law, ensure that any actions they authorize, fund, or carry out will notdegrade the conditions of such ecosystems.The Order goes on to establish agency responsibilities and a task force. Agency responsibilitiesinclude implementation of measures needed to research, monitor, manage, and restore affectedecosystems, including, but not limited to, measures reducing impacts from pollution,sedimentation, and fishing. The Order is issued under the following authority: the Clean WaterAct of 1977; Coastal Zone Management Act; Manguson-Stevens Fishery Conservation andManagement Act; NEPA; Marine Sanctuaries Act; National Park Service Organic Act; NationalWildlife Refuge System Administration Act; and “other pertinent statutes.”345 Id. at § 5801(e) (emphasis added).CEES 91 | P age