ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13134Executive OrderClinton · D

Executive Order 13134

Developing and Promoting Biobased Products and Bioenergy

This executive order creates a federal framework to promote biobased products and bioenergy by establishing an Interagency Council co-chaired by Agriculture and Energy Secretaries, an Advisory Committee, departmental working groups, and a National Coordination Office. It mandates annual strategic plans with measurable objectives covering research coordination, economic and environmental impact analysis, and private sector incentives to make renewable farm and forestry resources competitive in energy and materials markets.

Federal Register Open PDF 64 FR 44639

Impact dates

  1. First annual strategic plan submitted to President

  2. National Biobased Products and Bioenergy Coordination Office established

Key directives

  • Establish Interagency Council on Biobased Products and Bioenergy with specified agency heads
  • Secretaries of Agriculture and Energy serve as Co-Chairs
  • Prepare annual strategic plans with measurable objectives covering biobased products and biomass energy
  • First strategic plan submitted to President within 8 months
  • Establish Advisory Committee with up to 20 stakeholder representatives
  • DOE serves as secretariat and provides financial/administrative support for Advisory Committee
  • USDA and DOE each establish internal working groups on biobased products and bioenergy
  • Establish joint National Biobased Products and Bioenergy Coordination Office within 120 days

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Interagency Council established with designated membership
  • Co-Chairs designated (Secretaries of Agriculture and Energy)

Near term (90d)

  • First annual strategic plan due to President (within 8 months)
  • National Biobased Products and Bioenergy Coordination Office established (within 120 days)

Long term

  • Ongoing annual strategic plans with measurable objectives
  • Continuous coordination of multi-agency R&D activities
  • Long-term rural economic development and energy security goals

Risks & tensions

  • Strategic plans must balance competing goals: rural economic growth, energy security, environmental sustainability, and continued food/feed/fiber production
  • Council coordination required with 'all relevant Executive orders' without clear hierarchy if conflicts arise
  • Implementation contingent on 'availability of appropriations' for multiple components, creating funding uncertainty
  • Advisory Committee capped at 20 members for broad stakeholder representation; selection process may face competing demands
  • No enforcement mechanism or consequences for non-compliance with strategic plan timelines or objectives
Executive Order 13134: Developing and Promoting Biobased Products and Bioenergy · Executive Orders