These actions include low-carbon steel and aluminum production for electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and the clean concrete needed to upgrade transportation infrastructure. American factories will benefit from these actions by increasing the number of good-paying jobs. 

The White House said it would establish a “Buy Clean” task force to help produce these low-carbon materials and purchase the materials in the United States to be used in federal construction jobs. This task force comes from the changes from an executive order signed in December, which is aimed at reducing emissions across federal operations and making the federal government more sustainable.

The Administration is specifically announcing new efforts on accelerating clean hydrogen to help reduce emissions in many sectors of the economy, such as steel manufacturing. These efforts will also include $8 billion for regional clean hydrogen hubs to advance clean hydrogen production, processing, delivery, and end-use. One billion will be for a Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis program, which will allow for clean hydrogen production from carbon pollution-free power sources like wind, solar, and nuclear. Additionally, there is $500 million for Clean Hydrogen Manufacturing and Recycling to help support jobs that improve cost-effectiveness and support domestic supply chains through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Clean Hydrogen Manufacturing Initiative.

The task force will also find materials to consider and prioritize federally funded projects to increase emission transparency through supplier reporting and incentives. They will also launch a pilot program to boost federal procurement of clean construction materials. Products with lower emissions and pollutants across their lifecycle, including each stage of the manufacturing process will be included, according to the White House press release.

The United States General Services Administration (GSA) will also participate in the Buy Clean Task Force established by The White House Council on Environmental Quality to find ways to harness the federal government’s massive purchasing power to support low-carbon materials.

“GSA is committed to leveraging its purchasing power to support American workers and to promote cleaner U.S. industries that can produce the next generation of sustainable products and materials for a healthier, more prosperous economy,” GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan said in a press release, “As we make historic investments in America’s critical infrastructure, we look forward to partnering with industry to reduce harmful emissions, create clean energy jobs, and seize this opportunity to build a better future for everyone.”