The federal government has taken positive steps toward ensuring that its electronic goods are responsibly managed, but many agencies and facilities could be doing more, according to a Government Accountability Office report released Oct. 27.rnThe federal government spent nearly $75 billion on electronic products and services in 2009, and it disposes of 10,000 units each week, according to the report, Federal Agencies Could Improve Participation in EPA's Initiatives for Environmentally Preferable Electronic Products. Two 5-year-old initiatives are designed to assist federal procurement officials in selecting electronics with environmental attributes that save money through reduced energy usage and extend the life spans of those products.rnTestifying before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement Oct. 27, report author John B. Stephenson, director of natural resources and environment for GAO, said the fact that one-third of agencies are taking part in those initiatives is admirable, but it also means that two-thirds are not participating.
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