EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 234

Mandating Reductions in Energy Usage, and Creating an Energy Audit Team

WHEREAS, the Palau National Government consumes a large amount of energy in its day-to-day operations; and

WHEREAS, the price of fuel has reached an all-time high and indications are clear that it will continue to rise; and

WHEREAS, comprehensive energy conservation measures can significantly reduce the amount of energy the National Government uses, saving the Republic large sums of money; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 132 set out short and long term energy policies and procedures and it is time to re-evaluate their effectiveness and the National Government’s compliance with them; and

WHEREAS, Presidential Directive No. 04-005 set forth general requirements for Ministries to reduce their energy usage; and

WHEREAS, the energy situation has now reached a critical stage that requires stricter, enforceable measures be undertaken by the National Government;

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President, pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Palau, it is hereby ordered:

I.                              Mandated Energy and Vehicle Fuel Reduction

All Ministries shall immediately reduce their monthly energy consumption by 10% from the average monthly energy consumption by that Ministry over the last two years. Further, all Ministries shall reduce the amount of money they spend monthly on vehicle fuel by 10% from the average monthly amount spent over the last two years.

II.                          Energy Audit Team Created

There is hereby created an Energy Audit Team with the purpose, composition and duties set forth below:

1. Purpose: The Energy Audit Team shall audit the energy usage of all Ministries for compliance with the Mandated Energy Reductions in Part I.

1. Composition.  The Energy Audit Team shall consist of:

• Mr. Gregorio Decherong, Energy Program Manager (Team Leader)
  • Norbert Yano, Director, Public Safety
• Mr. Erungel Takemura, Public Utilities Corporation Board Member The Team will act under the direction of the Team Leader. The President may appoint new members to the team, remove members, or substitute members at his discretion.

3.     Powers and Duties.

1. Assessment: The Team shall quantify the August, 2005 energy usage of each Ministry, and the amount that Ministry spent on vehicle fuel during that month. Further, it shall assess the implementation, compliance, and effectiveness of the policies and procedures required under Presidential Directive 04-005, and those promulgated by the Energy Office of the Ministry of Resources and Development.

1. Reduction Compliance: The Energy Audit Team shall constantly monitor, through spot checks and other methods, the compliance of all Ministries with the 10% Mandated Energy Reductions.

1. Reports: Thirty days from the issuance of this Order, and monthly thereafter, the Energy Audit Team shall report to the President the compliance of all Ministries with the mandated reductions set forth above.  Further, the Energy Audit Team shall report significant innovations and successful practices employed by Ministries in reducing energy usage, and any other findings that the Energy Audit Team deems relevant. The President may require supplemental reports at any time.

III.                      Purchasing Guidelines

The Palau National Government shall purchase only automobiles that get at least 25 Miles per Gallon in city driving. Those purchasing automobiles shall investigate the availability of alternative energy automobiles, such as electric or fuel cell cars, as well as the feasibility of using motorbikes or bicycles instead.

IV.                       Strict Enforcement of Ban on Private Use of Government Vehicles

All Ministries are reminded that Government vehicles are to be used only for official government functions. Ministers shall designate a parking area for each government vehicle under their control, and ensure that every government vehicle is parked in that area during non-working hours. Any employee using a government vehicle during nonworking hours must have written authorization to do so from the Appropriate Management Official. The Minister of Justice shall strictly enforce this law through the issuance of citations, and shall report any violator to his/her Minister, and to the Office of the President for appropriate disciplinary action.

V.                           Suggested Practices

Ministries shall encourage their employees to do the following: