Secretary of Energy
Executive orders directing the Secretary of Energy · 83 in Obama · 312 all terms.
Related departments
Orders
83 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.
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.
Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
This determination renews the statutory finding that global petroleum supplies are sufficient to allow significant reductions in Iranian oil purchases, but explicitly states the U.S. is no longer pursuing such reductions due to JCPOA commitments that took effect on Implementation Day. It maintains the legal framework while acknowledging a policy shift away from pressuring Iran's oil sales.
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.
Proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Norway Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
President Obama approved a proposed nuclear cooperation agreement with Norway under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, finding it promotes common defense and security without unreasonable risk. The Secretary of State was directed to arrange for execution and publish the determination in the Federal Register.
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.
White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force
This memorandum establishes the White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force, chaired by the Vice President, to coordinate federal efforts to accelerate cancer research, treatment, and prevention. The Task Force includes heads of 14 executive departments and agencies and is directed to produce findings and recommendations on accelerating research, improving patient care, reducing regulatory barriers, and developing public-private partnerships, with a report due to the President by December 31, 2016.
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.
Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
This determination certifies that global oil markets have sufficient non-Iranian supply to allow countries to significantly reduce Iranian oil purchases, as required by the 2012 NDAA sanctions framework. However, the President notes that due to U.S. commitments under the 2013 Joint Plan of Action (interim Iran nuclear deal), the administration will not seek further reductions in Iranian oil purchases at this time.
Preparing for Implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of July 14, 2015 (JCPOA)
This memorandum directs the Secretaries of State, Treasury, Commerce, and Energy to prepare for implementing U.S. commitments under the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), including sanctions waivers and eventual termination of executive orders, contingent on IAEA verification of Iran's nuclear steps. The actions are conditioned on future confirmation by the Secretary of State, not immediate effect.
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.
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.
Proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Korea Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
This presidential determination approves a nuclear cooperation agreement with South Korea under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. The President determined the agreement promotes common defense and security without unreasonable risk, authorizing the Secretary of State to execute and publish the agreement.
Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
This presidential determination, issued under the 2012 NDAA, finds that global petroleum supplies are sufficient to allow significant reductions in Iranian oil purchases without harming oil markets. The determination maintains existing sanctions policy by continuing the exemption framework that allows countries to avoid U.S. sanctions if they significantly reduce Iranian oil imports.
Presidential Determination on the Proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the People's Republic of China Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
President Obama approved a nuclear cooperation agreement with China for peaceful uses of nuclear energy, finding it promotes common defense and security without unreasonable risk. The determination authorizes the Secretary of State to execute the agreement under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act.
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 Private Sector Cybersecurity Information Sharing
This executive order encourages voluntary formation of Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAOs) to enable private sector cybersecurity information sharing with the federal government. It establishes a standards-setting process for ISAOs, designates DHS's NCCIC as a critical infrastructure protection program, and amends the National Industrial Security Program to facilitate classified information sharing with private sector partners under voluntary agreements.
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.
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.
Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
This presidential determination certifies that global petroleum supplies from non-Iran sources are sufficient to allow foreign financial institutions to significantly reduce purchases of Iranian oil without disrupting markets. It continues a sanctions mechanism established by the 2012 NDAA by making a required periodic finding, maintaining the legal basis for pressuring Iran's oil exports.
Proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
President Obama approved a proposed nuclear cooperation agreement with Vietnam under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, determining it promotes common defense and security without unreasonable risk. The Secretary of State is authorized to execute and publish the agreement.
Proposed Third Amendment to the Agreement for Co- operation Between the United States of America and the International Atomic Energy Agency
President Obama approved the Third Amendment to the 1959 U.S.-IAEA nuclear cooperation agreement, certifying it promotes common defense and security without unreasonable risk. The determination authorizes the Secretary of State to execute and publish the agreement.
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.
Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
This determination finds that global petroleum markets have sufficient non-Iranian supply to allow foreign financial institutions to significantly reduce purchases of Iranian oil without disrupting markets. It continues a sanctions policy established by the NDAA for FY2012, maintaining pressure on Iran's oil exports.
Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change
This executive order directs federal agencies to integrate climate change preparedness and resilience into their operations, programs, and investments. It establishes a new interagency Council on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, creates a State, Local, and Tribal Leaders Task Force, mandates updated Agency Adaptation Plans, and requires modernization of federal programs to remove barriers to climate-resilient investment.
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.
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.
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.
Transforming Our Nation's Electric Grid Through Improved Siting, Permitting, and Review
This 2013 memorandum directs federal agencies to modernize the electric transmission grid by improving siting, permitting, and review processes for energy corridors on federal lands. It establishes specific deadlines for studies, assessments, and implementation plans to expedite renewable energy transmission while minimizing environmental and cultural impacts.
Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
President Obama determined that global oil markets had sufficient non-Iranian supply to allow countries to significantly reduce Iranian oil purchases without causing supply disruptions. This continued a sanctions policy required by the 2012 NDAA, maintaining pressure on Iran's nuclear program through petroleum-based financial restrictions.
Delegation of Certain Functions and Authorities Under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012
This memorandum delegates specific functions and authorities under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (IFCA) and amended provisions of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (CISADA) from the President to various cabinet secretaries and agency heads, primarily the Secretaries of Treasury and State, with detailed consultation requirements for imposing and implementing sanctions against Iran.
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.
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.
Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
This presidential determination finds that global petroleum markets have sufficient non-Iranian supply to allow significant reductions in Iranian oil purchases through foreign financial institutions. It continues sanctions policy under the 2012 NDAA by maintaining the legal basis for countries to avoid U.S. financial sanctions if they significantly reduce Iranian oil imports.
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.
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.
Blocking Property of the Government of the Russian Federation Relating to the Disposition of Highly Enriched Uranium Extracted From Nuclear Weapons
This executive order blocks Russian government assets in the U.S. related to the 1993 Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) Agreements, preventing them from being seized through judicial processes so that payments for converting weapons-grade uranium to reactor fuel can flow properly to Russia. It extends and reinforces prior sanctions architecture (EO 13159) to protect a major nuclear nonproliferation program.
Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
This presidential determination finds that global petroleum markets can absorb reduced purchases from Iran, satisfying a statutory condition in the 2012 NDAA that allows the U.S. to impose sanctions on foreign financial institutions that facilitate Iranian oil transactions. The determination extends a prior March 30, 2012 finding and authorizes continued diplomatic pressure on Iran's oil exports.
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.
Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) And (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
This determination finds that global petroleum supplies are sufficient to allow countries to significantly reduce Iranian oil purchases without harming markets, thereby enabling sanctions under the 2012 NDAA. It authorizes the Secretary of State to publish this finding, which triggers the legal framework for imposing sanctions on foreign financial institutions that facilitate Iranian oil transactions.
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.
Delegation of Reporting Functions Specified in Section 1045 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, and Condition 9 of the Resolution of Advice and Consent to Ratification of the Treaty Between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on the Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (the "New Start Treaty")
President Obama delegates reporting functions related to the New START Treaty and a 2012 defense law from the President to the Secretaries of Defense and Energy, with one subsection requiring coordination with the Secretary of State. The Secretary of Defense is directed to publish the memorandum in the Federal Register.
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.
Delegation of Reporting Function Specified In Section 1043 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
This memorandum delegates the President's reporting function under Section 1043 of the NDAA for FY 2012 to the Secretaries of Defense and Energy. The Secretary of Defense is directed to publish the memorandum in the Federal Register.
Blocking Property of the Government of Iran and Iranian Financial Institutions
This executive order blocks all property and interests in property of the Government of Iran, the Central Bank of Iran, and Iranian financial institutions that are in the United States or under U.S. person control. It also authorizes the Treasury and State Departments to implement sanctions and issue regulations, with immediate effect on February 6, 2012.
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.
Structural Reforms To Improve the Security of Classified Networks and the Responsible Sharing and Safeguarding of Classified Information
This executive order establishes a comprehensive framework for securing classified computer networks across the federal government following WikiLeaks disclosures. It creates new interagency bodies to coordinate policies, designates the NSA and Defense Secretary as technical standards authorities, mandates insider threat programs at all agencies, and requires binding minimum standards for detecting and preventing unauthorized disclosures.
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.
Annual Update to the Report Specified in Section 1251 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84)
This memorandum directs the Secretaries of Defense and Energy to jointly provide annual updates to the 1251 Report on nuclear weapons policy, beginning in 2011, with submissions timed to coincide with the President's budget each year. The Secretary of Defense is also directed to publish the memorandum in the Federal Register.
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.
Delegation of Certain Functions Under Section 3134 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181)
This memorandum delegates to the Secretary of Energy the President's statutory duty under Section 3134 of the FY2008 NDAA to make a specified report to Congress. It is a routine administrative delegation of a reporting function with no policy changes.
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.
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.
Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America And the Government of the Russian Federation for Cooperation In the Field of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
President Obama approved a 2008 U.S.-Russia nuclear cooperation agreement for peaceful uses of nuclear energy, determining it would not pose an unreasonable risk to common defense and security. The determination directed the Secretary of State to publish it in the Federal Register.
Delegation of Authority Relating To Certain Functions Under Section 201 (B) of the United States- india Nuclear Cooperation Approval And Nonproliferation Enhancement Act (Public Law 110-369)
This memorandum delegates to the Secretary of Energy the President's certification and reporting functions under section 201(b) of the U.S.-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act. It is a routine administrative delegation of statutory authority with no substantive policy changes.
Determination On the Proposed Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America And the Government of Australia Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
President Obama approved a nuclear cooperation agreement with Australia for peaceful uses of nuclear energy under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, finding it promotes common defense and security without unreasonable risk. The Secretary of State is authorized to execute and publish the agreement.
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.
Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future
President Obama directed the Secretary of Energy to establish a Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future to comprehensively review policies for managing used nuclear fuel and nuclear waste, including storage, processing, and disposal alternatives. The Commission was required to submit an interim report within 18 months and a final report within 24 months, with DOE providing funding and administrative support.
Implementation of the Executive Order, "Classified National Security Information"
This memorandum directs executive departments and agencies to implement a new executive order on classified national security information, setting deadlines for agencies to issue implementing regulations, requiring a review of original classification authority delegations, mandating clearance of a 400-million-page declassification backlog by end of 2013, and directing research into new declassification technologies.
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.
Classified National Security Information
This executive order establishes a comprehensive uniform system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information. It sets specific standards for original classification, mandates automatic declassification of most records after 25 years, prohibits classification to conceal wrongdoing or embarrassment, and creates oversight mechanisms including the Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel and the National Declassification Center.
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.
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.
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.
Proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America And the Government of the United Arab Emirates Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
President Obama approved a proposed nuclear cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, finding it promotes common defense and security without unreasonable risk. The determination authorizes the Secretary of State to execute the agreement and requires publication in the Federal Register.
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.
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.
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.
Appliance Efficiency Standards
President Obama directed the Secretary of Energy to expedite finalization of legally required appliance efficiency standards under existing statutory deadlines, prioritizing rules with imminent deadlines (by August 8, 2009) and those promising greatest energy savings for later deadlines. The memorandum reinforces compliance with a 2006 consent decree and multiple energy laws but does not create new enforceable rights.