Obama To Feds: Boost Renewable Power 20 Percent

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is ordering federal civilian and military agencies to nearly triple their use of renewable sources of electricity by 2020.

Obama says the plan to use renewables for 20 percent of the government's electricity needs will help reduce pollution that causes global warming, promote American energy independence and boost domestic energy sources like solar and wind power that provide thousands of jobs.

Obama was set to announce the plan Thursday. It's part of his wide-ranging, second-term drive to combat climate change and prepare for its effects. A plan announced in June would put first-time limits on carbon pollution from new and existing power plants, boost renewable energy production on federal lands and prepare communities to deal with higher temperatures.

The president says the government should lead by example.