EPA recently released a first-of-its-kind guide to help states save money and reduce GHG emissions by adopting clean energy practices in their facilities, operations, and vehicle fleets.

According to EPA, states spend about 10 percent of their operating budgets on energy bills, yet these costs can be greatly reduced by implementing well-designed energy management and GHG reduction programs. For example, in New York, where a 2001 executive order directed state agencies to reduce energy consumption by 35 percent by 2010 relative to 1990 levels, the state saved $54.4 million in energy costs from energy efficiency improvements between fiscal years 2001-2002 and 2003-2004.

EPA's Clean Energy Lead by Example Guide helps states identify key strategies, resources, and tools best-suited to their energy needs. EPA says each strategy has been tested and is proven to be cost-effective.

The guide is available here.