Biden Rule Orders Hard Environmental Look at Federal Buildings

The federal government will have to take a harder look at environmental, social, and economic factors when picking sites for federal facilities under a final rule issued on Monday.

The rule, issued by the General Services Administration, applies to both owned and leased locations. The standard emphasizes meaningful engagement with local communities to address topics such as displacement risks and local development plans.

Several parts of the rule are aimed at environmental improvements. For example, federal agencies must now consider emissions reductions, environmental sustainability, environmental justice, historic preservation, and transportation to and from a facility.

“The federal government is responsible ...