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The Biden administration has issued a new directive encouraging federal employees to make sustainable choices during official travel.

Under the directive, civil servants are instructed to rent electric vehicles for official travel when they are as affordable as other options. Furthermore, the directive encourages the use of rail transportation for trips under 250 miles when it is available and cost-effective. It also emphasizes the use of public transportation for local travel.

Federal agencies are required to report to the White House on their adherence to these new guidelines. Robin Carnahan, administrator of the General Services Administration, explained during a press conference, “We’re adding another element to consider when federal employees travel on government business.”

Carnahan emphasized that the criteria for travel decisions will now include practicality, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. This initiative is part of the administration’s broader efforts to enhance sustainability in government operations and reduce the nation’s environmental impact. Other measures in this direction include investments from the Inflation Reduction Act for efficiency upgrades in federal buildings and a commitment to transitioning the federal vehicle fleet to electric vehicles.