Some Good Stuff

Locating offices near transit and allowing more telecommuting are smart moves.

The government also plans to cut indirect emissions by controlling its heating and cooling systems and by promoting recycling programs, officials said. Agencies also will locate future office space closer to public transit systems. Tuesday's orders are part of a broader effort to cut direct emissions by 28 percent by 2020, based on 2008 figures.

Some federal workers may find themselves giving up their commute at least some of the time. The White House is also backing legislation supporting teleworking, a move it says should save millions of dollars in lost productivity during weather events and cut down on air pollution and commuter costs. A bill approved by the House last week expands work-at-home options and requires agencies to appoint a telework manager. The Senate passed a similar bill in May.