It's become fashionable for transportation officials at every level of government to tout their interest and compliance with 'green' energy initiatives.

Just last week Massachusetts DOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey announced the launch of his 'GreenDOT Implementation Plan' to build responsible environmental stewardship into all the state's transportation activities.

Of course, the state DOT chief said he has a proven commitment to improving the environment and protecting his state's abundant natural resources... and he announced specifics too. But you may want to hold your applause.

Some of the specific steps now underway or scheduled to begin in 2013 include the following:

Increased use of hybrid, electric and clean diesel vehicles.

Installation of electric vehicle chargers along the state highway system.

Energy efficient LED bulbs in all new traffic, tunnel lights.
Plant slow-growing grass; resulting in less mowing for reduced energy use.

Increase water recycling and conservation in bus and vehicle washing.

The Massachusetts 'green' initiative was begun in 2010 and its purpose is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions mandated under the Global Warning Solutions Act signed by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick in 2008. When it announced these seemingly basic actions the state DOT even congratulated itself for being recognized as the first transportation agency in the nation recognized as a "Bicycle-Friendly Business" by the League of American Bicyclists. (It's never a good sign when you have to reach that far.)

In any case, it all sounds great on the surface, doesn't it? They're doing all the right things. Yes, until you learn that Massachusetts DOT's 10,000+ employees occupy more than 700 buildings across the state. Quietly they admit that their own carbon footprint results in "energy consumption on a large scale."

Just how many of those folks do you think ride bicycles to work?