Administrator
Executive orders directing the Administrator · 125 in Obama · 500 all terms.
Related departments
Orders
125 shown · Obama
Continuing To Expand Opportunity for All Young People
This memorandum amends a 2014 Obama-era initiative by renaming the 'My Brother's Keeper' program to the 'Task Force on Improving the Lives of Boys and Young Men of Color and Underserved Youth,' expanding its membership to include 23 specified agency heads and officials, adding reporting requirements including annual status reports and biennial reviews, and broadening the scope to explicitly include 'underserved youth' alongside boys and young men of color.
Recognizing Positive Actions by the Government of Sudan and Providing for the Revocation of Certain Sudan-Related Sanctions
This executive order conditionally revokes certain U.S. sanctions against Sudan effective July 12, 2017, contingent on Sudan sustaining positive actions including reduced military activity, improved humanitarian access, and counterterrorism cooperation. It also assigns reporting and certification functions to the Secretaries of State and Treasury, and requires annual reviews of Sudan's continued compliance.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Our National Parks, National Forests, and Other Public Lands and Waters
This memorandum directs four land and water management agencies to promote diversity and inclusion both in their federal workforces and in public access to national parks, forests, and other public lands. It mandates specific actions including workforce development programs, unconscious bias training, public liaison identification, and action plans to reduce barriers for minority, low-income, disabled, and tribal populations.
Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience
This executive order establishes the Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area to protect marine ecosystems and Alaska Native subsistence communities from climate change impacts. It withdraws specified offshore areas from oil and gas leasing, creates an interagency task force and tribal advisory council, mandates consideration of traditional knowledge in federal decisionmaking, and directs the Coast Guard to develop shipping route protections and update spill response plans.
Safeguarding the Nation From the Impacts of Invasive Species
This executive order updates and strengthens federal coordination on invasive species by amending Executive Order 13112. It maintains the National Invasive Species Council with expanded membership, adds new priorities including climate change and public health impacts, and mandates a new management plan with specific reporting requirements.
Establishing a Community Solutions Council
This executive order establishes a new Community Solutions Council to coordinate federal community investment programs across agencies, replacing two prior Obama-era councils. The Council is led by two Co-Chairs (one from the White House/OMB, one rotating among eight major agencies every four years) and includes 34+ members spanning nearly the entire Cabinet and key White House offices. It builds on existing place-based initiatives like Promise Zones and StrikeForce, with a mandate to foster interagency collaboration, scale evidence-based practices, and center locally led visions in federal policymaking.
Advancing the Global Health Security Agenda To Achieve a World Safe and Secure From Infectious Disease Threats
This executive order institutionalizes U.S. participation in the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), a multinational initiative to strengthen countries' abilities to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. It creates a new interagency council chaired by National Security Council staff, assigns specific roles to 13 agencies, and mandates reporting and external evaluation requirements through 2019.
Advancing the Goals of the Power Africa Initiative to Expand Access to Electricity in Sub- Saharan Africa Through the Establishment of the President's Power Africa Working Group
This executive order establishes a formal interagency structure to advance the Power Africa initiative, which aims to double electricity access in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 through 30,000 MW of new capacity and 60 million new connections. It creates a Coordinator position at USAID and a Power Africa Working Group co-chaired by USAID and the NSC to coordinate across 13 federal agencies. The order also directs agencies to facilitate participation of African private sector companies in energy projects.
Coordinating Efforts To Prepare the Nation for Space Weather Events
This executive order establishes a coordinated federal framework to prepare for and mitigate space weather events such as solar flares and geomagnetic disturbances that threaten critical infrastructure including GPS, satellites, aviation, and the electrical power grid. It assigns specific roles to multiple agencies, creates a new NSTC subcommittee for coordination, and mandates several plans and assessments within 60-180 days to enhance forecasting, infrastructure protection, and emergency response capabilities.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the National Security Workforce
This memorandum directs national security agencies to improve diversity and inclusion through data transparency, expanded demographic tracking, professional development programs, and leadership accountability measures. It requires annual public reporting on workforce demographics and inclusion metrics, with initial reports due within 90 days.
Delegation of Authority Pursuant to Sections 5, 6(a) and 6(c), and 8(a) of the Global Food Security Act of 2016
This memorandum delegates presidential authorities under the Global Food Security Act of 2016 to USAID's Administrator (sections 5, 6(c), and 8(a)) and jointly to the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator (section 6(a)), while preserving State Department's supervisory and coordination role over foreign assistance programs.
Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument
President Obama designated approximately 4,913 square miles of Atlantic Ocean as the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument under the Antiquities Act, permanently protecting three submarine canyons and four seamounts from commercial extraction, oil and gas development, and most fishing, with limited exceptions for red crab and lobster fishing for 7 years. The proclamation establishes a dual-management structure between Commerce (NOAA) and Interior (FWS) and mandates a joint management plan within 3 years.
Providing an Order of Succession Within the Environmental Protection Agency
This executive order establishes the line of succession for who will serve as acting Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency if both the Administrator and Deputy Administrator are unable to serve. It replaces a 2012 Obama executive order with a new succession list of 16 EPA officials, starting with the General Counsel.
Delegation of Authority Pursuant to Section 4 and Section 7 of the Electrify Africa Act of 2015
This memorandum delegates to the USAID Administrator the presidential functions and authorities under Sections 4 and 7 of the Electrify Africa Act of 2015, which relate to promoting electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa. It also directs publication of the memorandum in the Federal Register.
Delegation of Certain Authorities and Assignment of Certain Functions Under the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015
This executive order delegates specific presidential authorities under the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 to cabinet secretaries and the U.S. Trade Representative, including export promotion coordination, trade capacity building, and currency exchange rate enforcement procedures. It establishes interagency consultation requirements for enhanced bilateral engagement on currency manipulation and creates a formal recommendation process for potential remedial actions.
Global Entrepreneurship
This executive order establishes the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) Program under the Commerce Department to leverage successful entrepreneurs' networks for mentoring and policy advocacy worldwide. It also creates a Global Connect Initiative and interagency Steering Group to expand internet access in developing countries, with reporting requirements through 2020.
A Comprehensive Approach to Atrocity Prevention and Response
This executive order institutionalizes the Atrocities Prevention Board (APB) originally established by Presidential Study Directive-10 in 2012, formalizing its structure, membership, and operational protocols across national security agencies. It mandates interagency coordination on monitoring, early warning, deterrence, and response to mass atrocities and genocide, with specific requirements for intelligence collection, civilian capacity deployment, training, and annual reporting to the President and public.
Facilitation of a Presidential Transition
This executive order establishes two coordinating bodies—the White House Transition Coordinating Council and the Agency Transition Directors Council—to improve planning and information sharing for presidential transitions. It mandates specific preparation activities including briefing materials, emergency exercises, and career employee readiness, with a hard deadline for agency materials before November 1 of election years.
Promoting Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
This memorandum establishes a Federal Interagency Reentry Council co-chaired by the Attorney General and the White House Domestic Policy Council Director to coordinate federal efforts reducing recidivism and removing barriers to employment, housing, and reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals. It directs agencies to review hiring and occupational licensing procedures to avoid automatic disqualification based on criminal records, and requires a federal strategic plan within 100 days.
Building National Capabilities for Long-Term Drought Resilience
This memorandum institutionalizes the National Drought Resilience Partnership (NDRP) as an interagency task force to coordinate federal drought resilience efforts. It directs agencies to take specific actions by December 31, 2016, across six goal areas including data integration, drought planning, critical infrastructure risk communication, federal coordination, market-based water approaches, and water efficiency technology. The NDRP is housed at USDA with co-chairs from Agriculture and rotating Commerce leadership, and must produce a charter within 90 days and an initial progress report within 150 days.
Developing an Integrated Global Engagement Center To Support Government-wide Counterterrorism Communications Activities Directed Abroad and Revoking Executive Order 13584
This executive order establishes the Global Engagement Center (GEC) within the State Department to coordinate U.S. government communications aimed at foreign audiences to counter terrorist messaging from ISIL, al-Qa'ida, and other violent extremists. It replaces the temporary organization created by Executive Order 13584 with a permanent center supported by a temporary coordination office (GECCO) and an interagency steering committee.
Delegation of Certain Authorities and Assignment of Certain Functions Under the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015
This executive order delegates presidential authorities and assigns functions under the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015, primarily to the U.S. Trade Representative, with specific exceptions retained by the President and certain functions assigned to USAID and the Secretary of Agriculture. It also assigns reporting on poverty reduction and hunger elimination to the U.S. Trade Representative.
Strengthening the Senior Executive Service
This executive order reforms the Senior Executive Service (SES) by creating a PMC Subcommittee to oversee changes including: capping performance award spending at 7.5%, streamlining hiring processes, requiring SES pay to exceed subordinate GS employees, establishing a 15% rotation goal for SES members, and phasing in talent management and succession planning across all agencies by FY 2018.
Mitigating Impacts on Natural Resources From Development and Encouraging Related Private Investment
This 2015 presidential memorandum directs five federal agencies to adopt consistent policies for mitigating environmental impacts from development, with emphasis on avoiding and minimizing harm before compensating for it. It establishes principles for advance compensation, mitigation banking, and private investment in restoration, and sets specific deadlines for agencies to develop new guidance and regulations.
Continuance or Reestablishment of Certain Federal Advisory Committees
This executive order continues or reestablishes 40 federal advisory committees until September 30, 2017, transferring FACA compliance responsibilities to designated agency heads and updating administrative oversight for the National Industrial Security Program Policy Advisory Committee.
Presidential Innovation Fellows Program
This executive order establishes the Presidential Innovation Fellows Program to bring talented entrepreneurs, executives, and technologists into the federal government for short-term appointments. The program is housed within the General Services Administration and aims to apply innovative techniques and technology to address significant national challenges.
Creating a National Strategic Computing Initiative
This executive order establishes the National Strategic Computing Initiative (NSCI), a coordinated federal strategy to advance U.S. leadership in high-performance computing (HPC) through 2030. It designates lead agencies (DOE, DOD, NSF), foundational R&D agencies (IARPA, NIST), and deployment agencies to pursue exascale computing, post-semiconductor technologies, and public-private collaboration in HPC research and deployment.
Delegation of Certain Authorities and Assignment of Certain Functions Under the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015
This executive order delegates presidential authorities and assigns functions under the 2015 Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) law to specific officials, primarily the U.S. Trade Representative, while reserving certain authorities to the President. It establishes interagency processes for environmental reviews, employment impact assessments, labor rights reports, and implementation planning for trade agreements.
Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade
This executive order establishes comprehensive federal sustainability goals for 2015-2025, requiring agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent, increase renewable energy use, improve water and fleet efficiency, and adopt sustainable procurement practices. It creates new oversight structures including Chief Sustainability Officers at each agency and a Federal Interagency Sustainability Steering Committee.
Promoting Economic Competitiveness While Safeguarding Privacy, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties in Domestic Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
This 2015 memorandum establishes privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties protections for federal use of drones (UAS) in U.S. airspace, requires agencies to review policies every 3 years, limits retention of personally identifiable information to 180 days, mandates transparency reports, and directs Commerce to launch a multi-stakeholder process for commercial drone privacy best practices.
Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input
This executive order establishes a new Federal Flood Risk Management Standard requiring federally funded projects to build above current base flood levels using climate-informed science, freeboard elevations, or 0.2% annual chance flood data. It amends Executive Order 11988 and mandates stakeholder consultation before implementation, with agencies required to submit implementation plans after public comment closes.
Enhancing Coordination of National Efforts in the Arctic
This executive order establishes an Arctic Executive Steering Committee to coordinate federal Arctic policy across agencies during the U.S. chairmanship of the Arctic Council. It mandates improved interagency coordination, tribal consultation with Alaska Native governments, and a report identifying overlaps and gaps in Arctic policy implementation.
Expanding Federal Support for Predevelopment Activities for Nonfederal Domestic Infrastructure Assets
This memorandum directs federal agencies to expand support for predevelopment activities—such as planning, feasibility studies, and environmental review—for nonfederal domestic infrastructure projects. It requires specific departments to clarify funding eligibility, develop guidance, and submit implementation plans within 60 days to encourage public-private partnerships and innovative infrastructure investment.
Federal Support for Local Law Enforcement Equipment Acquisition
This executive order creates an interagency working group to review and standardize federal programs that provide military-style equipment to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. The group must develop recommendations for controlled equipment lists, training requirements, civil rights compliance, and oversight mechanisms, with initial reports due in 60 days and final recommendations in 120 days.
Creating Welcoming Communities and Fully Integrating Immigrants and Refugees
This memorandum establishes the White House Task Force on New Americans, co-chaired by the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Secretary of Homeland Security, to develop a coordinated federal strategy for integrating immigrants and refugees into American communities. The Task Force must submit an Integration Plan within 120 days and a status report within one year, with responsibilities including reviewing agency policies, disseminating best practices, and measuring equitable access to services.
Improving the Security of Consumer Financial Transactions
This executive order mandates federal agencies adopt chip-and-PIN technology for government payment cards and terminals by early 2015, streamlines identity theft victim remediation through a centralized FTC website, and requires multi-factor authentication for federal digital services within 18 months.
Deepening U.S. Government Efforts To Collaborate With and Strengthen Civil Society
This 2014 presidential memorandum directs federal agencies engaged in foreign policy to strengthen collaboration with civil society organizations worldwide, oppose undue restrictions on civic freedoms, and integrate civil society consultation into U.S. diplomatic engagement. It requires annual reporting to the President on implementation progress.
Climate-Resilient International Development
This executive order requires federal agencies with international development programs to systematically integrate climate-resilience considerations into their strategies, planning, and funding decisions. It establishes a Working Group co-chaired by Treasury and USAID to develop guidelines, tools, and metrics, while also directing agencies to promote similar practices in multilateral development institutions.
Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
This executive order establishes a government-wide framework to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by creating an interagency task force, a presidential advisory council, and mandating specific actions including antibiotic stewardship programs in healthcare facilities, strengthened surveillance systems, promotion of new drug development, and international cooperation. It sets concrete deadlines for a national action plan and regulatory reviews to address what the CDC identified as at least 23,000 annual U.S. deaths from resistant infections.
Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces
This executive order requires federal contractors and subcontractors with contracts over $500,000 to disclose labor law violations from the past three years during bidding and every six months during performance. It mandates paycheck transparency for workers and restricts mandatory pre-dispute arbitration for certain discrimination and sexual assault/harassment claims on contracts over $1 million. The order creates Labor Compliance Advisor positions at each agency and directs regulatory amendments to implement these requirements.
Creating a Federal Strategy To Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators
This memorandum establishes the Pollinator Health Task Force co-chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and EPA Administrator, directing federal agencies to develop a National Pollinator Health Strategy within 180 days and take immediate steps to expand pollinator habitat on federal lands, revise landscaping guidance, assess pesticide impacts, and increase conservation program acreage for pollinators.
Creating and Expanding Ladders of Opportunity for Boys and Young Men of Color
President Obama established the My Brother's Keeper Task Force, an interagency initiative chaired by the Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary with the Deputy Secretary of Education as Executive Director, to improve life outcomes for boys and young men of color through better coordination of federal programs, data sharing, and public-private partnerships. The Task Force is directed to create assessment tools, evaluate federal policy impacts, and report back with recommendations within 90 days and a status report within one year.
Streamlining the Export/Import Process for America's Businesses
This executive order directs federal agencies to modernize U.S. trade processing by completing the International Trade Data System (ITDS)—a "single window" for electronic submission of import/export data—by December 31, 2016. It establishes the Border Interagency Executive Council (BIEC) to coordinate cross-agency border management, streamline regulatory requirements, and improve supply chain efficiency while maintaining security and public health protections.
Establishing a Quadrennial Energy Review
This memorandum establishes a Quadrennial Energy Review Task Force co-chaired by the OSTP and Domestic Policy Council directors to produce a comprehensive energy policy review every four years, with the first report due January 31, 2015 focusing on U.S. energy infrastructure challenges. The Task Force includes representatives from 23 agencies and is directed to engage stakeholders and recommend executive and legislative actions.
Federal Leadership on Energy Management
This memorandum directs federal agencies to obtain 20% of their electricity from renewable sources by fiscal year 2020, with interim targets starting at 10% in 2015. It also mandates improved building energy management through metering, benchmarking via EPA's Energy Star Portfolio Manager, and adoption of the Green Button data access system, with multiple deadlines for implementation guidance.
Continuance Of Certain Federal Advisory Committees
This executive order extends 26 federal advisory committees until September 30, 2015, and makes technical amendments to several prior executive orders governing the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, President's Management Advisory Board, President's Global Development Council, and President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. It also delegates presidential functions under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to designated agency heads.
Designation of Officers of the General Services Administration to Act as Administrator of General Services
This memorandum establishes the order of succession for acting Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) in case both the Administrator and Deputy Administrator are unable to serve. It supersedes a 2002 memorandum and lists six GSA officials in priority order to assume acting duties under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.
Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security
This executive order establishes an interagency working group to improve coordination among federal agencies, state/local/tribal partners, and private industry on chemical facility safety and security. It mandates multiple assessments, pilot programs, and regulatory reviews to modernize risk management practices, enhance information sharing, and reduce duplicative reporting requirements following chemical facility tragedies.
Expanding National Service Through Partnerships to Advance Government Priorities
This memorandum establishes an interagency Task Force on Expanding National Service, co-chaired by the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the Director of the Domestic Policy Council. It directs federal agencies to develop partnerships with CNCS to expand national service and volunteer opportunities aligned with the six focus areas of the Serve America Act, and requires specific reports and guidance within set timeframes.
Combating Wildlife Trafficking
This executive order establishes a Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking co-chaired by the State Department, Interior Department, and Attorney General to develop a national strategy against wildlife trafficking. It also creates an Advisory Council of non-governmental experts to advise the Task Force, with specific deadlines for initial meetings, strategy production, and council establishment.
Establishing the White House Council on Native American Affairs
This executive order creates the White House Council on Native American Affairs, chaired by the Secretary of the Interior, to coordinate federal policy across 30+ agencies to support tribal self-governance and improve quality of life for Native Americans. It establishes a formal structure for interagency coordination on economic development, healthcare, education, justice, and environmental protection while mandating three annual meetings.
Power Sector Carbon Pollution Standards
President Obama directed the EPA to develop and issue carbon pollution standards for power plants, including new plants (with a new proposal due by September 20, 2013) and existing/modified/reconstructed plants (proposed by June 1, 2014, final by June 1, 2015, with state implementation plans due June 30, 2016). The memorandum emphasized flexible, market-based approaches and collaboration with states, industry, and other stakeholders.
Establishing the President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans
This executive order creates a presidential advisory council within the Treasury Department focused on improving financial literacy and money management skills among young Americans. The council will bring together government officials and private-sector experts to develop strategies for financial education in schools, communities, and workplaces, with a two-year mandate.
Modernizing Federal Infrastructure Review and Permitting Regulations, Policies, and Procedures
This memorandum directs federal agencies to modernize infrastructure permitting and review regulations to cut aggregate timelines for major projects in half while improving environmental and community outcomes. It mandates a 60-day prioritization effort and 120-day comprehensive modernization plan by an interagency steering committee, building on Executive Order 13604 reforms.
Making Open and Machine Readable the New Default for Government Information
This executive order establishes open and machine-readable formats as the default for new and modernized government information. It directs OMB to issue an Open Data Policy and sets specific deadlines for creating implementation tools, integrating open data into federal procurement and grants, and establishing performance tracking mechanisms across agencies.
Establishment of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration
This executive order creates a nine-member presidential commission to study and recommend best practices for improving U.S. election administration, with a focus on reducing voter wait times and addressing barriers faced by military members, overseas voters, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency. The commission is purely advisory, must submit a final report within six months of its first public meeting, and terminates 30 days after delivering that report.
Amendments to Executive Order 12777
This executive order re-delegates authority for adjusting oil spill liability limits under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. It assigns specific responsibilities to different cabinet secretaries based on facility type—Coast Guard department for vessels and marine facilities, EPA Administrator for non-transportation onshore facilities, Transportation Secretary for non-marine transportation facilities, and Interior Secretary for offshore facilities—each with CPI adjustment authority and congressional reporting duties.
Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity
This executive order establishes a voluntary, public-private partnership framework to strengthen cybersecurity protections for U.S. critical infrastructure. It directs federal agencies to improve cyber threat information sharing with private sector entities, mandates development of a Cybersecurity Framework by NIST, creates a voluntary adoption program, and requires identification of the most at-risk critical infrastructure systems.
Improving Availability of Relevant Executive Branch Records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System
This memorandum directs federal agencies to improve sharing of relevant records with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent prohibited individuals from obtaining firearms. It establishes deadlines for DOJ guidance, agency reporting, and creates a working group to coordinate implementation of the 2007 NICS Improvement Amendments Act.
Establishing the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force
This executive order establishes a cabinet-level task force chaired by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to coordinate long-term rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Sandy. The task force is required to produce a comprehensive rebuilding strategy within 180 days of its first meeting, after which it will terminate 60 days later.
Establishment of an Interagency Task Force on Commercial Advocacy
This executive order creates an Interagency Task Force on Commercial Advocacy, chaired by the Secretary of Commerce, to coordinate federal support for U.S. businesses competing for international contracts against foreign firms. The Task Force brings together 15 agencies to prioritize advocacy cases, coordinate senior-level engagement with foreign officials, raise business awareness of available services, and report progress every 180 days.
Establishing the White House Homeland Security Partnership Council
This executive order creates the White House Homeland Security Partnership Council and its Steering Committee to institutionalize collaboration between federal field offices and local partners—including state/local/tribal governments, private sector, and nonprofits—to address homeland security challenges ranging from disaster response to terrorism prevention. The Council advises on priorities, promotes best practices, and convenes annually, while the Steering Committee sets its scope, selects members, and reports to the President yearly.
Strengthening Protections Against Trafficking in Persons in Federal Contracts
This executive order strengthens anti-trafficking rules for federal contractors and subcontractors by amending procurement regulations. It prohibits specific trafficking-related activities like fraudulent recruitment, charging recruitment fees, and confiscating identity documents; requires compliance plans for large overseas contracts; and mandates training and interagency coordination to enforce zero-tolerance policies.
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration
This executive order terminates the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force and transfers its functions to the newly statutorily created Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council under the RESTORE Act. It also designates the EPA Administrator and Secretary of Agriculture as additional trustees for Natural Resource Damage Assessment related to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, and directs EPA to revise relevant regulations accordingly.
Accelerating Investment in Industrial Energy Efficiency
This executive order directs federal agencies to coordinate efforts to accelerate industrial energy efficiency investments, particularly combined heat and power (CHP) systems, with a national goal of deploying 40 gigawatts of new industrial CHP by 2020. It tasks DOE, Commerce, Agriculture, and EPA with stakeholder engagement, technical assistance to states and manufacturers, and using existing authorities to support efficiency investments.
Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Women and Girls Globally
This executive order establishes a multi-year U.S. government strategy to prevent and respond to gender-based violence globally, creating an Interagency Working Group co-chaired by the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator. It mandates coordination across multiple federal agencies, integration of anti-violence programming into existing foreign policy and assistance efforts, improved data collection and research, and periodic reporting with benchmarks, progress reports, and eventual strategy revision.
Assignment of National Security and Emergency Preparedness Communications Functions
This executive order establishes a comprehensive framework for national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) communications, creating an interagency Executive Committee co-chaired by Defense and Homeland Security to coordinate survivable, resilient federal communications under all circumstances. It assigns specific responsibilities across multiple departments, revokes the prior Executive Order 12472 (1984), and mandates a 60-day organizational plan from Homeland Security.
Accelerating Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
This executive order establishes a federal working group and mandates coordinated procedures to accelerate broadband infrastructure deployment on federal lands, buildings, and rights of way, with special attention to tribal lands and underserved communities. It requires agencies to develop uniform contract templates, improve permitting efficiency, and implement 'dig once' policies for highway construction projects.
Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Agriculture
This executive order establishes a detailed line of succession for who would act as Secretary of Agriculture if both the Secretary and Deputy Secretary are unable to serve. It lists 15 positions in order of succession, from Under Secretaries down to specific regional administrators, and revokes the previous succession order from 2010.
Promoting International Regulatory Cooperation
This executive order directs federal agencies to coordinate international regulatory cooperation through an existing interagency working group, with the goal of reducing unnecessary differences between U.S. and foreign regulations that could harm American business competitiveness. It requires agencies to flag regulations with significant international impacts and consider foreign regulatory approaches when developing rules.
Supporting Safe and Responsible Development of Unconventional Domestic Natural Gas Resources
This executive order creates an interagency working group chaired by the Domestic Policy Council Director to coordinate federal agency efforts supporting safe and responsible development of unconventional domestic natural gas resources, such as shale gas. It aims to streamline policy coordination across 13+ agencies while maintaining environmental and public health safeguards.
Improving Performance of Federal Permitting and Review of Infrastructure Projects
This executive order creates a Steering Committee to streamline federal permitting and review processes for infrastructure projects, requiring agencies to develop performance plans with measurable timelines and track progress on a public dashboard. It mandates coordination across federal agencies, state/local/tribal governments, and stakeholders to reduce decision times while maintaining environmental and community protections.
National Defense Resources Preparedness
This executive order delegates authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to various cabinet secretaries for prioritizing and allocating resources (food, energy, health, transportation, water, and other materials) in support of national defense. It establishes frameworks for loan guarantees, industrial base expansion, voluntary agreements, a National Defense Executive Reserve, and labor coordination during emergencies, while revoking and replacing Executive Order 12919 from 1994.
Establishing a White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities
This executive order establishes a White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) within HUD to coordinate federal technical assistance to local communities, helping them compete for federal resources and develop economic strategies. The Council is co-chaired by the HUD Secretary and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, with broad membership across federal agencies.
Driving Innovation and Creating Jobs in Rural America Through Biobased and Sustainable Product Procurement
This 2012 memorandum directs federal agencies to significantly increase procurement of biobased and sustainable products to promote rural economic development and job creation. It establishes specific targets for USDA to expand product designations by 50%, mandates reporting mechanisms, requires procurement system changes, and directs training and outreach for both federal acquisition personnel and small business suppliers.
Establishing the President's Global Development Council
This executive order creates a 12-member advisory council within USAID to advise the President on global development policy, promote public-private partnerships, and elevate development as a pillar of U.S. foreign policy alongside diplomacy and defense. The council includes cabinet secretaries as non-voting members and outside experts from academia, philanthropy, civil society, and private industry, with a built-in 2-year sunset clause.
Flexible Implementation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards Rule
This memorandum directs the EPA Administrator to use Clean Air Act flexibilities to ensure smooth implementation of the new Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule for power plants, emphasizing electric reliability while maintaining public health benefits. It instructs broad availability of a fourth compliance year and coordination with energy regulators and stakeholders.
Instituting a National Action Plan On Women, Peace, And Security
This executive order establishes a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, directing federal agencies to integrate gender-responsive approaches into diplomatic, development, and defense work in conflict-affected environments. It mandates State, Defense, and USAID to create implementation plans and requires periodic review with civil society consultation.
Amendments to Executive Orders 12131 and 13539
This executive order updates the membership of the President's Export Council to include the Department of Homeland Security, National Economic Council, National Security Staff, and state/local government associations, while removing the Vice President and CIA Director. It also transfers administrative and funding support for the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) from the Office of Science and Technology Policy to the Department of Energy.
Improving American Indian and Alaska Native Educational Opportunities and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities
This executive order establishes the White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education, co-chaired by the Secretaries of Education and Interior, to improve educational outcomes for AI/AN students across all educational settings. It mandates interagency coordination, requires a Memorandum of Understanding between Education and Interior within 120 days, and directs federal agencies to develop four-year implementation plans with annual performance reporting.
Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory Committees
This executive order extends the lifespan of seven federal advisory committees until September 30, 2013, one committee until September 30, 2012, and amends the termination date of the President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability to January 29, 2013. It also delegates FACA compliance functions to agency heads rather than the President.
Making It Easier for America's Small Businesses and America's Exporters to Access Government Services to Help Them Grow and Hire
This memorandum directs executive agencies to create BusinessUSA, a unified online platform to help small businesses and exporters navigate federal programs and services. It establishes a Steering Committee co-chaired by the Federal CIO, CTO, and Chief Performance Officer to oversee development of the platform within 90 days, with agencies required to integrate their information and services into this "No Wrong Door" system.
Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory Committees
This executive order extends 15 federal advisory committees for two years until September 30, 2013, delegates FACA functions to agency heads, and restructures leadership of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Initiative by replacing the Education-Commerce co-chair arrangement with an Education Secretary and presidentially designated senior official.
Delegation Under Section 2(A) of the Special Agent Samuel Hicks Families of Fallen Heroes Act
President Obama delegates to the Administrator of General Services the authority to prescribe regulations under the Special Agent Samuel Hicks Families of Fallen Heroes Act, which concerns benefits for families of fallen law enforcement officers.
Developing an Integrated Strategic Counterterrorism Communications Initiative and Establishing a Temporary Organization to Support Certain Government-wide Communications Activities Directed Abroad
This executive order establishes a Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications within the State Department to coordinate U.S. government-wide counterterrorism messaging abroad, and creates a temporary Counterterrorism Communications Support Office to provide research and campaign support. Both entities focus on countering al-Qa'ida and violent extremist ideologies through strategic communications to foreign audiences.
Interagency Working Group on Coordination of Domestic Energy Development and Permitting in Alaska
This executive order establishes an interagency working group led by the Department of the Interior to coordinate federal permitting and environmental review processes for oil and gas development in Alaska, both onshore and offshore. The group brings together deputy-level officials from multiple agencies to streamline decision-making while maintaining health, safety, and environmental standards.
Establishment of the SelectUSA Initiative
This executive order establishes SelectUSA, a Department of Commerce-based initiative to coordinate federal efforts to attract and retain domestic and foreign business investment in the United States. It creates a Federal Interagency Investment Working Group spanning nearly every cabinet department and major economic agency to promote the U.S. as a business location, serve as an investment ombudsman, and provide information to investors.
Establishment of the White House Rural Council
This executive order creates the White House Rural Council, chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and comprising 25 federal agencies, to coordinate federal policy and investment in rural communities. The Council is tasked with streamlining federal spending, improving economic opportunities, and enhancing quality of life in rural America through better interagency collaboration.
Fundamental Principles and Policymaking Criteria for Partnerships With Faith-Based and Other Neighborhood Organizations
This executive order amends Executive Order 13279 to establish constitutional and operational principles for federal partnerships with faith-based and neighborhood organizations. It mandates equal treatment of faith-based providers in federal social service funding while prohibiting religious discrimination against beneficiaries and requiring separation of explicitly religious activities from federally funded programs. The order creates an Interagency Working Group to ensure uniform implementation across agencies and requires a report within 120 days on model regulations and guidance.
Establishing the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
This executive order creates an intergovernmental task force to coordinate restoration of Gulf Coast ecosystems damaged by the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill and address long-term ecological decline. The Task Force includes federal agencies, five Gulf State representatives, and tribal representatives, and is charged with developing a regional restoration strategy within one year.
Establishing a Task Force on Skills for America's Future
This memorandum establishes an interagency Task Force on Skills for America's Future, co-chaired by the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers and two White House policy assistants, to develop recommendations for improving workforce training partnerships between community colleges, businesses, labor unions, and other stakeholders. The Task Force is charged with identifying scalable approaches to career training, stackable credentials, and public-private partnerships, but has no dedicated funding or enforcement authority beyond voluntary agency coordination.
Classified National Security Information Program for State, Local, Tribal, and Private Sector Entities
This executive order establishes a formal program for sharing classified national security information with state, local, tribal, and private sector entities involved in critical infrastructure protection. It sets security standards for access and safeguarding, designates Homeland Security as the executive agent, and creates an advisory committee to resolve policy disputes and facilitate information sharing.
Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes
This executive order establishes a National Ocean Council to coordinate federal stewardship of oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes, implementing recommendations from the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force. It creates a framework for coastal and marine spatial planning to manage competing uses of marine environments while promoting ecosystem-based conservation. The order directs executive agencies to align their decisions with national ocean policy priorities and to participate in regional planning processes.
Optimizing the Security of Biological Select Agents and Toxins in the United States
This executive order directs a risk-based overhaul of how the U.S. regulates dangerous biological agents and toxins (BSAT). It mandates creating a highest-risk "Tier 1" subset of pathogens, revising security regulations, coordinating federal oversight across multiple agencies, and establishing an advisory panel to guide implementation.
Unleashing the Wireless Broadband Revolution
This memorandum directs federal agencies to free up 500 MHz of spectrum over 10 years for wireless broadband use, with the Commerce Department and NTIA leading coordination with the FCC. It mandates a Plan and Timetable by October 1, 2010, establishes an interagency steering group, and requires research into spectrum-sharing technologies, with progress reporting to the National Economic Council, OMB, and OSTP.
Disposing of Unneeded Federal Real Estate Increasing Sales Proceeds, Cutting Operating Costs, and Improving Energy Efficiency
This memorandum directs federal agencies to accelerate disposal of excess real estate, consolidate data centers, and improve space utilization to achieve $3 billion in cost savings by end of FY2012. It mandates a freeze on data center expansion, requires consolidation plans within 5 years, and tasks OMB with issuing guidance within 90 days.
Establishing the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council
This executive order establishes the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council within HHS, chaired by the Surgeon General, to coordinate federal prevention and wellness efforts. It mandates development of a national health strategy and requires annual reports to Congress through 2015 on progress toward disease prevention goals.
Extension of Benefits to Same-Sex Domestic
This memorandum directs federal agencies to extend a range of employment benefits to same-sex domestic partners of federal employees and their children, including child-care subsidies, employee assistance programs, travel benefits, and family leave, to the extent permitted by existing law. It also establishes ongoing obligations for future benefits and requires annual reporting on implementation progress.
Improving Energy Security, American Competitiveness and Job Creation, and Environmental Protection Through a Transformation of Our Nation's Fleet of Cars And Trucks
This memorandum directs EPA and NHTSA to develop joint fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks (model year 2014, final rule by July 30, 2011) and passenger cars/light-duty trucks (model years 2017-2025). It also requests EPA review of non-greenhouse gas vehicle emissions regulations and DOE promotion of advanced vehicle infrastructure and voluntary standards.
National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling
This executive order establishes a seven-member presidential commission to investigate the causes of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and recommend reforms to prevent future offshore drilling disasters. The commission must submit a final public report within six months of its first meeting and terminates 60 days after doing so.
Task Force on Space Industry Workforce and Economic Development
President Obama established an interagency task force co-chaired by the Secretary of Commerce and NASA Administrator to develop an economic development action plan for Florida's Space Coast and other aerospace communities affected by the end of the Space Shuttle program. The task force must submit a comprehensive plan by August 15, 2010, recommending how to invest $40 million in transition assistance funding, and will terminate after 3 years unless extended.
Establishing an Interagency Task Force on Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses
This memorandum creates an Interagency Task Force on Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses, co-chaired by the Secretary of Commerce, OMB Director, and SBA Administrator. The Task Force must deliver proposals within 120 days to increase small business contracting, and a website for transparency must be developed within 90 days to track small business participation in federal procurement.
Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development
This executive order establishes an Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development within the Small Business Administration to coordinate federal efforts to improve capital access, contracting opportunities, and business development support for small businesses owned by veterans and service-disabled veterans. The Task Force includes representatives from seven federal agencies and four veterans' organizations, and must report annually to the President on its activities and proposals.
Establishing the President's Management Advisory Board
This executive order creates the President's Management Advisory Board (PMAB), an advisory body of up to 18 members—mostly private-sector leaders—tasked with recommending best business practices for federal management, particularly in productivity, technology, and customer service. The board sits within GSA, is chaired by OMB's Deputy Director for Management, and automatically terminates after two years unless extended.
A 21st Century Strategy for America's Great Outdoors
This memorandum establishes the America's Great Outdoors Initiative, led by Interior, Agriculture, EPA, and CEQ, to reconnect Americans—especially children—with nature through community-based conservation, public-private partnerships, and interagency coordination. It mandates listening sessions across the country and requires three reports: an initial strategy report by November 15, 2010, and annual progress reports by September 30, 2011 and 2012.
National Export Initiative
This executive order creates the National Export Initiative (NEI) to double U.S. exports over five years and establishes an Export Promotion Cabinet of cabinet-level officials and agency heads to coordinate federal export promotion efforts. The order directs the Cabinet to develop programs supporting small and medium-sized business exports, increase export credit, reduce trade barriers, and produce a comprehensive implementation plan within 180 days.
A Comprehensive Federal Strategy on Carbon Capture and Storage
This memorandum establishes an Interagency Task Force on Carbon Capture and Storage co-chaired by DOE and EPA to develop a plan within 180 days to overcome barriers to deploying CCS technology. It aims to bring 5-10 commercial demonstration projects online by 2016, with the goal of widespread cost-effective CCS deployment within 10 years.
Original Classification Authority
This presidential order designates specific Executive Office and agency officials with authority to originally classify information as 'Top Secret' or 'Secret' under Executive Order 13526 on classified national security information. It revokes prior classification designations while preserving certain delegations made under the previous executive order regime.
Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government
This executive order establishes a government-wide initiative to increase veteran hiring in the federal workforce by creating an interagency Council on Veterans Employment, requiring agencies to develop operational plans and designate veterans employment offices, and mandating training for HR personnel and hiring managers on veterans' preferences and special hiring authorities.
Increasing Participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Federal Programs
This executive order establishes a President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) housed in the Department of Education and a White House Initiative on AAPIs co-chaired by the Secretaries of Commerce and Education. The order directs federal agencies to develop plans to improve AAPI access to federal programs, increase AAPI federal workforce participation, and advance data collection and research on AAPI subpopulations.
Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance
This executive order mandates federal agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy and water efficiency, eliminate waste, and adopt sustainable practices in buildings, fleets, and procurement. It establishes a comprehensive framework with specific reduction targets, reporting requirements, and oversight mechanisms through the Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Management and Budget.
Federal Leadership On Reducing Text Messaging While Driving
This executive order prohibits federal employees from text messaging while driving government vehicles, privately-owned vehicles on official business, or when using government-supplied electronic equipment. It also directs federal agencies to encourage contractors and grant recipients to adopt similar bans, and requires agencies to implement compliance measures within 90 days.
Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory Committees
This executive order continues 15 federal advisory committees for two years until September 30, 2011, superseding a prior Bush administration order. It also delegates presidential functions under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to the heads of designated departments and agencies.
Establishing a White House Council on Automotive Communities and Workers
This executive order creates a White House Council on Automotive Communities and Workers to coordinate federal assistance for areas hit hard by auto industry job losses. The council includes cabinet secretaries and senior officials across multiple agencies, and is tasked with aligning federal programs to support automotive workers and communities. It automatically terminates after two years unless extended by the President.
Chesapeake Bay Protection and Restoration
This executive order establishes a coordinated federal framework to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. It creates a Federal Leadership Committee led by the EPA, mandates multiple agency reports on pollution control, agricultural practices, climate adaptation, and public access, and requires an annual action plan starting in 2010.
Biofuels And Rural Economic Development
President Obama established an interagency working group on biofuels and directed the Secretary of Agriculture to restructure renewable fuel investments and develop loan guarantee and funding programs within 30 days to accelerate biofuel production and rural economic development.
Establishment of the Interagency Committee on Trade in Timber Products from Peru and Assignment of Function under Section 501 of the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act
This memorandum establishes an Interagency Committee on Trade in Timber Products from Peru to oversee implementation of Annex 18.3.4 of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, assigns a presidential function to the USTR, and directs several Cabinet secretaries to issue implementing regulations. The committee had a statutory deadline of 90 days after the Agreement's February 1, 2009 entry into force, making the establishment deadline May 2, 2009.
Establishing a White House Council on Women And Girls
This executive order creates a White House Council on Women and Girls to coordinate federal policy across agencies on issues affecting women and girls, including pay equity, healthcare access, educational opportunity, and workforce participation. The Council is advisory, composed of Cabinet secretaries and senior officials, and must submit an interagency plan within 150 days.
Government Contracting
This March 4, 2009 memorandum directs the OMB Director, in collaboration with other agency heads, to develop government-wide guidance by July 1, 2009 and September 30, 2009 to reduce noncompetitive and cost-reimbursement contracts, increase fixed-price contracts, strengthen contract oversight, and clarify when outsourcing of inherently governmental functions is inappropriate. It responds to sharp increases in sole-source and cost-reimbursement contracting since 2001 and aims to improve value for taxpayers.
Establishment of the White House Office of Urban Affairs
This executive order creates the White House Office of Urban Affairs within the Executive Office of the President to coordinate federal urban policy across departments and agencies. The Office is tasked with developing a comprehensive urban policy agenda, ensuring federal spending in urban areas is effective, and engaging with state/local officials and private stakeholders.
Amendments to Executive Order 13199 and Establishment of the President's Advisory Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
This executive order renames and restructures the White House faith-based initiative, establishing the President's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. It adds constitutional safeguards regarding religion clauses, emphasizes accountability and measurable results for federally funded services, and creates a 25-member advisory council with a 2-year sunset provision.
State of California Request for Waiver Under 42 U.S.C. 7543(b), the Clean Air Act
This memorandum directs the EPA Administrator to review the prior denial of California's Clean Air Act waiver request for greenhouse gas emissions standards for motor vehicles, and to take appropriate action based on that assessment. The action effectively signals reversal of the Bush administration's 2008 denial of California's waiver.
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
President Obama directed the Secretary of Transportation and NHTSA Administrator to publish a final rule by March 30, 2009 increasing fuel economy standards for model year 2011 vehicles, as required by the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act. The memorandum also instructed consideration of legal, scientific, and preemption issues—including consistency with Massachusetts v. EPA—before finalizing rules for later model years.
Mexico City Policy and Assistance for Voluntary Population Planning
This memorandum revokes the Mexico City Policy reinstated by President George W. Bush in 2001 and 2003, which had prohibited foreign NGOs receiving U.S. assistance from using even non-U.S. funds for abortion-related counseling, referrals, or advocacy. It directs the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to immediately waive these conditions in current grants, notify grantees of the waiver, and cease imposing such conditions in future grants.
Transparency and Open Government
This memorandum establishes principles of transparency, participation, and collaboration as core values for the Obama Administration and directs the CTO, OMB Director, and GSA Administrator to develop within 120 days recommendations for an Open Government Directive that would instruct agencies to take specific implementing actions.