On October 24, 2023, the General Services Administration (GSA) proposed amendments to the Federal Management Regulation to outline factors that agencies should consider when planning for the siting of federal facilities. The proposed rule addresses a number of policy areas and implements several standing Executive Orders. Among other changes, the proposed rule would require agencies to consider both the emissions impact of government installations and the climate adaptation needs of government facilities.
GSA's proposed rule directs agencies, when designating areas for federal installations, to consider a range of factors and federal policy goals, including promoting "environmentally sustainable development, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increased resilience to the impacts of climate change, and stewardship of regional natural resources." The proposed rule also directs agencies to promote climate adaptation planning in selecting the sites for federal facilities, and to avoid development in floodplains "to the extent practicable."
GSA is accepting comments on this proposed rule until December 26, 2023.