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Audit Reports

Apr
25
2013
Report Number:
HR-MA-13-002
Report Type:
Audit Reports
Category: Strategy & Investments

Response to Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change

BACKGROUND:

On February 25, 2013, the co-chairs of the Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change requested help in assessing whether the U.S. Postal Service is doing everything it can to confront the threat of climate change.

The task force asked us to (1) identify the existing requirements in legislation, regulation, executive order, and other directives that apply to the Postal Service; (2) assess whether the Postal Service is meeting those requirements; and (3) make recommendations for improving performance if the Postal Service is not fully meeting the requirements. Also, they asked us to assess (1) the authorities the Postal Service has to reduce emissions, (2) the Postal Service’s authorities to make the nation more resilient to the effects of climate change, and (3) the most effective additional steps the Postal Service could take to reduce emissions or strengthen resiliency.

We did not perform a comprehensive review of the Postal Service's progress in meeting legislative requirements on climate change. Our response is based on the best information available and is intended solely for the use of the task force.

WHAT THE OIG FOUND:

The National Energy Conservation Policy Act, the Energy Policy Act, and the Energy Independence and Security Act include requirements on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions that apply to the Postal Service. The Postal Service’s performance is generally on track to meet the legislative requirements of these laws related to climate change, but it is not on track to meet requirements for greenhouse gas emissions and petroleum fuel consumption reductions. Additionally, the Postal Service has established its own policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making the nation more resilient and it has goals in place to accomplish them.

WHAT THE OIG RECOMMENDED:

This report is provided for information only. We offered no formal recommendations and no management action is required. However, in response to the request for recommendations for improving performance, we suggested the Postal Service focus on reducing contract transportation emissions and enhance strategies outlined in its draft 2012 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan. We also suggested the Postal Service replace its aging delivery fleet with fuel efficient vehicles using new technologies as soon as financial and legislative constraints have been mitigated.