Gov. John Lynch has issued an executive order directing state government to further reduce energy usage. Issued on April 15, the order demands that state agencies reduce their use of fossil fuels by 25 percent by 2025.  

In 2005, Lynch ordered state agencies to cut energy use by 10 percent. Since then, energy usage at state buildings has dropped by 16 percent per square foot, saving $3 million, according to the state’s recent energy report.

The new executive order mandates that agencies reduce fossil fuel use 25 percent below 2005 levels in the next 14 years.

“This goal may sound ambitious, but I do believe it’s achievable,” Lynch said in a statement. “We can do it by building on the good work that has already been done, and expanding our use of renewable energy and continuing to reduce our overall energy consumption.”

The order directs agencies to better manage vehicles and use fuel-efficient vehicles whenever possible. It also directs them to make cost-saving, energy-reducing investments in facilities. When renovating or building a new facility, agencies are instructed to use cost-effective, energy-efficient designs with renewable energy components.

The state owns more than 500 buildings and has a fleet of roughly 2,500 vehicles. Lynch said his order will save the government money, reduce pollution, improve the health of citizens, and help protect New Hampshire’s natural resources.