DC Council Passes Strongest Climate Policy in the Nation

DC Council Passes Strongest Climate Policy in the Nation

“Clean Energy DC Act” mandates 100% clean electricity by 2032, groundbreaking efficiency standards, and more

Law will bring 100% renewable energy to the White House while Trump Administration denies climate change

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, DC Council legislators took the historic and dramatic step of passing the “Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act of 2018,” which mandates that 100 percent of the city’s electricity come from renewable power by the year 2032. This represents the strongest legislative mandate of its kind of any state in America. It will take effect in the nation’s capital — including the White House — even as the Trump Administration moves backwards on climate policy.

Click here for a summary of the bill’s main features.

The Clean Energy DC Act is seen as a key response to the recent national and international reports that paint an alarming picture of of current and future economic and humanitarian harm to Americans unless the US and nations worldwide transition off of fossil fuels very quickly. By passing this bill, DC’s local legislators will take the lead nationally on climate change, shortly after Trump Administration officials atrociously promoted the benefits of coal at the United Nations’ annual global climate summit.

“We are on the threshold of passing legislation that will put us at the forefront of the nation in the effort to combat climate change,” said Councilmember Mary Cheh (Ward 3). “Even though by ourselves we are a small jurisdiction, we can serve and have served as a model for other jurisdictions. More importantly, we are in a loose association with other local and state jurisdictions so that even though the federal government is in default of international climate accords, we will meet them.”

“This victory shows the true power of determined grassroots advocacy,” said Camila Thorndike, DC Campaign Director at the CCAN Action Fund, sister organization of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “With the passage of this bill, we’re taking the power back from President Trump and taking control of our energy future. The majority of the country is with us — concern about climate change has never been greater. Now we know we can fight the odds if we organize. This is a new day for a new District of Columbia, and for grassroots organizing across the country.”

“This legislation reduces emissions at the rate demanded by the science, and it passed unanimously,” said Jamie DeMarco with the Citizens Climate Lobby. “There is now a clear consensus to act on climate, and we see that reflected in the bipartisan climate legislation that was recently introduced in Congress.”

“The nation’s capital is a model for the rest of the nation on climate action, leading the way to reducing greenhouse emissions through smart investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency,” said Mark Rodeffer of the Sierra Club DC Chapter. “We have spent incalculable time and energy working on this bill and we could not be more gratified by its passage today. D.C. is not on track to meet our current carbon reduction and climate targets. But we’ll be on the path to substantial reductions of climate pollution once Mayor Bowser signs this bill.”

“For years, DC’s faith communities have been responding to the climate crisis by shifting to cleaner power and speaking out to the Council for our neighbors and all creation,” said Joelle Novey of Interfaith Power & Light. “In fact, over forty of the District’s congregations are already lighting their sanctuaries with solar power. Today, we’re so encouraged to see our city following our lead, and hope—as the nation’s capital—DC will serve as a hopeful beacon to the rest of the United States that our future is 100% renewable.”

“Man-made climate change is the most serious threat human-kind has ever faced. Science is telling us that we have only a few years to act, or there is no turning back,” Rev Lennox Yearwood Jr., President & CEO, Hip Hop Caucus. “Our communities are already seeing the dire consequences from the continued use of fossil fuels through stronger storms, polluted air and water, and more droughts and wildfires. The historic passing of the Clean Energy Act today shows that local leaders in D.C. are committed to addressing the seriousness of the threat of climate change with solutions that can work for all. As the Trump Administration and some leaders in Congress take us backwards on climate action, D.C. and other local governments across the country should be commended for stepping up on behalf of our communities now and the planet for future generations.”

“Climate change is a national emergency that for too many years District leaders have refused to address with concrete legislation,” said Justin McCarthy of the DC Statehood Green Party. “Make no mistake, we are still a long way away from solving the climate crisis, and additional action will be required down the road, but passage of this ambitious climate bill is a major step forward. We commend DC Council on its passage.”

“Communities that have done the least to cause climate change —the poor, people of color, coastal townspeople, displaced immigrants – disproportionately bearing the burden of climate change,” said Judith Howell, a member of 32BJ SEIU. “We cannot assume that humans can simply adapt to any change that we face and working people in the U.S. and around the world will be extremely vulnerable to those changes,” added Howell. “Unions can play a big role in fighting climate change. 32BJ SEIU has proudly signed on the New Green Deal in Congress and we strongly support the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act.”

“Today, moms and dads in DC and across the country are celebrating the passage of an extraordinary climate bill—one of the strongest in the nation. Today’s vote is a real victory for our children’s health and future. Our Councilmembers have unanimously embraced clean energy and a safe future. Our families thank the Council for their bold climate leadership, and we stand ready to throw our full support around the implementation of this remarkable bill,” said Molly Rauch, Public Health Policy Director for Moms Clean Air Force.

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report finding that the world has 12 years to cut global carbon emissions in half in order to prevent catastrophe. And the Fourth National Climate Assessment, released by the Trump Administration the day after Thanksgiving in an apparent effort to reduce news coverage, paints an alarming picture of current and future economic and humanitarian harm to Americans unless the US and nations worldwide transition off of fossil fuels very quickly. The “Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act of 2018,” or “Clean Energy DC Act,” is seen as the District’s answer to these reports. It takes a comprehensive approach to reducing carbon emissions, cutting greenhouse gas emissions nearly in half  by 2032.

The “Clean Energy DC Act” strengthens the District’s renewable electricity requirement to 100 percent by 2032 through the Renewable Portfolio Standard. This would put DC on the fastest timeline to 100 percent clean electricity among states in the country — California recently passed a bill for 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045.

It also creates groundbreaking efficiency standards for existing buildings, and funds local programs to assist low-income residents as the city transitions to more sustainable clean energy systems.

In addition, this legislation takes aim at emissions from home heating and transportation. It would scale up an existing utility fee called the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF), which would raise tens of millions of dollars to finance renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and provide assistance to low-income DC residents.  It would also adjust the vehicle excise tax to incentivize clean cars and make owning dirty vehicles more expensive. The legislation also authorizes the District to put a price on transportation fuels if Virginia and Maryland commit to the same.

This bill is supported by the “DC Climate Coalition,” which is comprised of more than 110 environmental and justice advocacy organizations, faith groups, unions, consumer advocacy organizations, D.C. businesses, and more.

 

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Tuesday, December 18:  DC Council to Pass Strongest Climate Bill in the Nation

Tuesday, December 18: DC Council to Pass Strongest Climate Bill in the Nation

“Clean Energy DC Act” mandates 100% clean electricity by 2032, groundbreaking efficiency standards, and more, bringing renewable energy to the White House while Trump Administration denies climate change

Press conference on Freedom Plaza to follow Council vote

WASHINGTON, DC — On Tuesday, December 18, the DC Council is expected to pass the country’s strongest bill to address climate change. The “Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018” passed its first vote unanimously on November 29, all but assuring its passage on December 18.  This bill would secure 100 percent renewable electricity by 2032, create groundbreaking energy efficiency standards, raise money to weatherize low-income homes, provide major incentives for electric cars, and much more.

By passing this bill, DC’s local legislators will take the lead nationally on climate change, as the federal administration backtracks. The vote will take place one week after officials with the Trump Administration promoted the benefits of coal at the United Nations’ climate conference in Poland in a panel that was shut down by protesters.

WHAT: Final vote for “Clean Energy DC Act” and Press Conference to Follow
WHERE:
  – Vote to take place in Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  – Press Conference on Freedom Plaza, 1339 Pennsylvania Ave     NW
WHEN: Tuesday, December 18, immediately after Council vote (sometime between noon and 4:00pm. Will provide updated timing on Tuesday morning.)
SPEAKERS:
  – Camila Thorndike, CCAN Action Fund
  – Reverend Lennox Yearwood, Hip Hop Caucus
  – Jamie DeMarco, Citizens Climate Lobby
  – Mary Anne Hitt, Sierra Club
  – Nikhil Balakumar, Coalition for a Resilient DC
 – Molly Rauch, Moms Clean Air Force
  – Joelle Novey, Interfaith Power & Light – DMV Region

The climate crisis has reached a new level of urgency as recent federal and international reports paint an alarming picture of current and future economic and humanitarian harm to Americans unless the US and nations worldwide transition off of fossil fuels very quickly. The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that the world has 12 years to cut global carbon emissions in half in order to prevent catastrophe. The “Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act of 2018,” or “Clean Energy DC Act,” is seen as the District’s answer to these reports. It takes  a comprehensive approach to reducing carbon emissions, cutting greenhouse gas emissions nearly in half by 2032.

The “Clean Energy DC Act” strengthens the District’s renewable electricity requirement to 100 percent by 2032 through the Renewable Portfolio Standard. This would put DC on the fastest timeline to 100 percent clean electricity in the country — California recently passed a bill for 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045. This requirement would apply to the White House.

It also creates groundbreaking efficiency standards for new and existing buildings, and funds local programs to assist low-income residents as the city transitions to more sustainable clean energy systems.

In addition, this legislation takes aim at emissions from home heating and transportation. It would scale up an existing heating fee called the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF), which would raise up to $70 million to finance renewable energy and efficiency projects and provide assistance to low-income DC residents.  It would also adjust the vehicle excise tax to incentivize clean cars and make owning dirty vehicles more expensive. The legislation also authorizes the District to put a price on transportation fuels if Virginia and Maryland commit to the same.

This bill is supported by the “DC Climate Coalition,” which is comprised of more than 110 environmental and justice advocacy organizations, faith groups, unions, consumer advocacy organizations, D.C. businesses, and more.

CONTACT:
Denise Robbins, Communications Director, CCAN Action Fund, denise@chesapeakeclimate.org, 608-620-8819
Barbara Briggs, 350 DC, barbarahbriggs@gmail.com
Justin McCarthy, DC Climate Coalition, jlawrencemccarthy@gmail.com, 540-312-3797

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DC Council Unanimously Passes First Vote for Key Climate Bill

DC Council Unanimously Passes First Vote for Key Climate Bill

Groundbreaking “Clean Energy DC Act” Will Mandate 100% Clean Electricity by 2032, Expected to Become Law by End of This Year
Councilmembers Did Not Yet Vote to Remove Harmful Amendments Inserted by Pepco-Exelon, May Do So in Second Reading

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the DC Council gave preliminary approval to a landmark climate policy called the “Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act of 2018,” known as the “Clean Energy DC Act.” The Council voted unanimously in favor of the bill, which would strengthen the District’s renewable electricity requirement to 100 percent by 2032, raise money to weatherize low-income homes, and more. Councilmember Robert White (At-Large) did not vote because he was not present, but he is a co-sponsor of the bill.

The vote took place in the wake of an alarming new federal report showing climate change is already affecting Americans nationwide, including residents of DC. The Fourth National Climate Assessment, released by the Trump Administration the day after Thanksgiving in an apparent effort to reduce news coverage, paints an alarming picture of current and future economic and humanitarian harm to Americans unless the US and nations worldwide transition off of fossil fuels very quickly.

The “Clean Energy DC Act” would put DC on the fastest timeline to 100 percent clean electricity in the country — California recently passed a bill for 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045. It would cut DC’s total emissions almost in half by 2032. The DC Council is expected to vote on this bill for the second time on December 18, after which it will be sent to Mayor Muriel Bowser for her signature.

“Thanks to our DC Councilmembers, we are on track to pass one of the strongest climate laws in the country,” said Camila Thorndike, DC Campaign Director at the CCAN Action Fund, sister organization of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “It’s inspiring to see the full strength of our coalition in these culminating moments. I particularly applaud the Councilmembers who have taken a stance against Pepco’s closed-door tactics to monopolize our energy future, and hope the rest do the same in the second reading. If we go along with the status quo, the results will be devastating. We need a new energy policy for a new District, just blocks from Trump’s White House, and with the Clean Energy DC Act, we can make it happen.”

Today the Council also refrained from voting down a concerning amendment that could undermine the energy efficiency portion of the bill and could have a negative impact on DC ratepayers. The amendment, which was added in by Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (Ward 5) at the suggestion of Exelon-Pepco days before the vote, would give Pepco authority over how efficiency investments are made, undercutting the longstanding decisions DC has made to support independent-run efficiency programs instead. In the Committee of Environment and Transportation meeting on the bill, Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6) explained how it could allow Pepco to “double dip” — to charge ratepayers twice for the same energy efficiency investments. Councilmember McDuffie passed out a revised version of the amendments before today’s vote just minutes before they were accepted. According to Councilmember Allen, the revised amendments addressed some of the concerns but he expects to further address the amendments before the second reading instead.

“The Sierra Club is happy the DC Council has taken the first vote in favor of what would be one of the strongest clean energy bills in the nation,” said Mark Rodeffer, Chair of the Sierra Club DC Chapter. “But our work for the climate isn’t done, and on the second vote, we ask that the Council restore a provision for long-term power purchase agreements for renewable energy. Pepco had this part of the bill killed in the dark of night, and as a result, DC’s greenhouse gas emissions will go up 8.1 percent and electricity customers’ bills will go up as well.”

“The DC Council will give my new baby girl the best gift ever — an ambitious plan to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy,” said Payal Shah Martin of Moms Clean Air Force. “It appears that enough council members support this bill to ensure that it becomes law. I can’t wait to send thank you notes to the Council after they pass this bill without secretive changes from dirty energy lobbyists.”

“D.C.’s clean energy bill is a win for working people, who are the most vulnerable to climate change. The clean energy bill will go a long way towards ensuring that clean air and water are a right for everyone, not a privilege enjoyed only by the wealthy,” said Jaime Contreras, 32BJ SEIU Vice President.

“This is a huge win for District residents and the thousands of activists who fought to make this city a global climate leader,” said Justin McCarthy, Communications Director of the DC Statehood Green Party. “I can’t think of a more fitting or symbolic place to pass the most aggressive climate legislation in the country than the nation’s capital city of Washington, DC. Make no mistake, this win is part of a larger movement both here in the District and across the country, and we have no intention of slowing down. Tomorrow we get right back to work.”

In addition to dramatically expanding the Renewable Portfolio Standard, the “Clean Energy DC Act” also takes aim at emissions from home heating and transportation. It would scale up an existing heating bill surcharge called the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF), which would raise tens of millions of dollars to finance renewable energy projects and provide assistance to low-income DC residents.

The bill would create efficiency standards for new and existing buildings and would fund local programs to assist low-income residents as the District transitions to more sustainable clean energy systems. It would also adjust the vehicle excise tax to incentivize clean cars and make owning dirty vehicles more expensive. The legislation also authorizes the District to put a price on transportation fuels if Virginia and Maryland commit to the same.

The “DC Climate Coalition” is comprised of more than 110 environmental and justice advocacy organizations, faith groups, unions, consumer advocacy organizations, DC businesses, and more.


CONTACT:
Denise Robbins, Communications Director, CCAN Action Fund, denise@chesapeakeclimate.org, 608-620-8819
Barbara Briggs, 350 DC, barbarahbriggs@gmail.com, 412-417-9384
Justin McCarthy, DC Climate Coalition, jlawrencemccarthy@gmail.com, 540-312-3797

URGENT: 11th hour. Clean Energy DC set to pass. But we need your help.

URGENT: 11th hour. Clean Energy DC set to pass. But we need your help.

By Camila Thorndike

I’m here today to give you some good news… and some deeply alarming news.

The good news is this: After years of mobilizing this campaign, the DC Council is geared to pass “Clean Energy DC Act” before Christmas! The bill was passed out unanimously out of two Council committees this morning, and will soon go to the full Council for a vote. That means DC will soon become a national leader on climate policy. Yes!!!

Now here’s the bad: At the very last minute, the Chicago-based utility Exelon — which owns Pepco — snuck in an amendment that would undercut the efficiency measures in the bill, and boost its coffers at the expense of DC ratepayers.

The full DC Council is voting on the Clean Energy DC Act for the first time on Tuesday, November 27, so every single Councilmember needs to hear from YOU.

Please send a message to your Councilmember today asking them to REMOVE Pepco’s awful efficiency amendments and PASS a Clean Energy DC Act that is strong and fair.

The Clean Energy DC Act would move the city toward 100 percent clean electricity by 2032, create groundbreaking energy efficiency standards, raise money to weatherize low-income homes, provide major incentives for electric cars, and much more. After months of deliberating, the bill reflects our campaign’s hard-won principles of strong, economy-wide emission reductions with a focus on equity.

But Pepco’s end-run amendments could cause direct harm to ratepayers. It would allow the utility to recoup the costs of energy efficiency investments in the form of increased electricity bills, and it would allow the utility to recover revenue lost from those efficiency improvements. As Councilmember Charles Allen said in the Committee of Environment and Transportation meeting today, it allows Pepco to charge ratepayers twice for the same investments.

The last-minute amendments would also give the utility total monopoly control over how efficiency investments are made, undercutting the longstanding decisions DC has made to support independent-run efficiency programs instead. Why resist monopoly-run efficiency programs? Because the company running it — Pepco — is in the business of selling electricity, so the company has an incentive to sell as much as possible—not conserve. It’s a direct conflict of interest.

The Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008 created the Sustainable Energy Utility  for just this reason. The SEU is an independent administration that administers DC’s current efficiency programs, allowing for a competitive bidding process to undertake efficiency work. Pepco’s amendments would take entire customer base away from SEU.

Meanwhile, the simple fact that they introduced these amendments at the 11th hour is cause for great concern. The proposed changes have received no analysis or public comment. In its testimony before the Committees, Pepco did not discuss this issue at all. This 11th-hour effort has the apparent goal of avoiding the public scrutiny the rest of this bill has received.

Hundreds of supporters of the Clean Energy DC Act have testified in over 20 hours of public hearings, made hundreds of calls, and sent in thousands of letters.

NOW is the time to take this incredibly valuable bill across the finish line.

Send a message to your DC Councilmembers today. Tell them to PASS the Clean Energy DC Act and REPEAL Exelon’s deceitful amendments.

The climate can’t wait, and neither can we. Even with the amendments, the Clean Energy DC Act will cut DC emissions up to 50 percent by 2032. After three hard-fought years of progress uniting more than 110 organizations, businesses, and neighborhood groups, it is time to pass strong and equitable climate and clean energy policy right here in DC.

Thanks for all you do.


Clean Energy DC Act Set to Spike Down an Endless Summer

Clean Energy DC Act Set to Spike Down an Endless Summer

By Ashlai Murray

WASHINGTON, DC ⎼ On Monday, October 29, in a park across the street from the John A. Wilson building, supporters of the Clean Energy DC Act and CCAN played a game of beach volleyball. The game aimed to promote “endless summer” temperatures if the bill to climate change isn’t addressed by the DC Council. The final vote is scheduled for December 1.

The Wilson building was the site of the final public hearing on the Clean Energy DC Act with councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. Before the final hearing, dozens of climate advocates testified to urge DC Council to act on the climate change and protect their communities and generations to come.

Sergio Martinez, a Catholic University graduate, testified on the importance of passing the Clean Energy DC Act as a way to care for neighbors and communities. “As policy-makers, you have the opportunity to act on climate, protecting our neighbors in DC,” he stated.

Leaders from Muslim, Jewish, Protestant and Catholic faith traditions also testified in favor of the Clean Energy Act. Avery Davis Lamb, director of Faithful Advocacy said, “Climate change and clean energy change is a moral issue that deeply affects our communities, that is why we are here together today to speak out in faith and support the Clean Energy Act.”

Darcy Hirsh of the, Jewish Community Council stated, “The Jewish community has a sacred imperative for creation of our world. Setting the District on a path to 100% clean energy is a moral necessity.”

The climate is rapidly changing and, according to recent reports, world leaders have less than 15 years to take extreme action and prevent damage to the earth. Passing the Clean Energy DC Act bill is the answer to the IPCC.


DC Climate Advocates Hold Beach Volleyball “Flash Mob” Before Key Council Hearing on Historic Climate Bill

DC Climate Advocates Hold Beach Volleyball “Flash Mob” Before Key Council Hearing on Historic Climate Bill

Event Signifies “Endless Summer” to Come Without Serious Climate Action like the Groundbreaking “Clean Energy DC Act”

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, dozens of climate advocates in beach gear played volleyball on Freedom Plaza before the DC Council held its final hearing on the country’s strongest bill to address climate change. The action signifies the harmful “endless summer” that would come without swift, immediate climate action from the DC Council like the “Clean Energy DC Act.”

In the spirited event, more than 30 activists — dressed with pool noodles, beach floaties, lifeguard t-shirts, and a shark costume, played with a giant inflatable Earth in front of the Wilson Building before the key climate hearing. “Despite the lighthearted nature of this event, we are terrified of the year-round August temperatures we face without climate action,” said Camila Thorndike, DC Campaign Director at the CCAN Action Fund. “Deadly heat waves, infectious mosquitos, and disastrous flooding are the nightmare of an endless summer. We are tired of politicians playing games with our lives and futures. We are grateful that the DC Council is approaching this existential crisis with the urgency and seriousness it demands with the Clean Energy DC Act.”

Initial photos available via Twitter hereand Facebook Live video available here.

The event preceded a hearing in the Committee of Business and Economic Development, where more than 80 advocates have signed up to testify in support of the bill (out of 109 total). Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (Ward 5) chairs that committee, and activists are looking to him to bring the bill out of his committee to a full floor vote.

“By passing this bill, DC will become nation’s undisputed leader in battle against climate change, taking the first of many significant steps in paving a sustainable future for humanity for generations to come,” said Nikhil Balakumar, founder of the Greentel Group.

The climate crisis has reached a new level of urgency since the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report finding that the world has 12 years to take drastic action and prevent catastrophe. The report calls for global carbon emissions to be cut in half by 2030 and for fossil fuels to be almost entirely phased out by 2050. The “Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act of 2018,” or “Clean Energy DC Act,” is seen as the District’s answer to the IPCC. It takes a comprehensive approach to reducing carbon emissions, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 49.4 percent by 2032 according to an initial analysis from the Department of Energy and Environment.

“We hope that passing strong climate legislation in the nation’s capital that meets the goals of the IPCC report will set an example of smart energy policy that works and inspire Congress to act,” said Stephanie Doyle, National Outreach and Partnership Coordinator at Citizens Climate Lobby.

Advocates in favor of the Clean Energy DC Act represent faith communities, justice advocacy groups, small businesses, environmental groups, and more. “For dozens of faith groups throughout the District, climate change and clean energy is a moral issue that deeply affects our communities,” said Avery Davis Lamb, Director of Faithful Advocacy at Interfaith Power and Light (DC.MD.NoVA). “That’s why representatives from diverse DC religious communities are coming together today to speak out in faith to support the Clean Energy DC Act.”

The bill is formally supported by eight of the 13 members of the DC Council, with Councilmembers Mary Cheh (Ward 3), Charles Allen (Ward 6), Trayon White (Ward 8), Brianne Nadeau (Ward 1), and Chairman Phil Mendelson co-introducing the bill, and Councilmembers Vincent Gray (Ward 7), Robert White Jr. (At-Large), and David Grosso (At-Large) co-sponsoring it. Councilmember Brandon Todd (Ward 4) has tweeted his support for it as well.

This bill had its first hearing on October 9 in the Committee of Transportation and the Environment on October 9, which is chaired by Councilmember Mary Cheh (Ward 3), who introduced the bill. About 90 people signed up to testify, and nearly all of them testified in strong support. That hearing was covered in the Washington Post, NPR, and many other outlets.

The “Clean Energy DC Act” would strengthen the District’s renewable electricity requirement to 100 percent by 2032 through the Renewable Portfolio Standard. This would put DC on the fastest timeline to 100 percent clean electricity in the country — California recently passed a bill for 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045.

It also would create groundbreaking efficiency standards for new and existing buildings and would fund local programs to assist low-income residents as the city transitions to more sustainable clean energy systems.

In addition, this legislation takes aim at emissions from home heating and transportation. It would scale up an existing heating fee called the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF), which would raise up to $70 million to finance renewable energy projects and provide assistance to low-income DC residents. It would also adjust the vehicle excise tax to incentivize clean cars and make owning dirty vehicles more expensive. The legislation also authorizes the District to put a price on transportation fuels if Virginia and Maryland commit to the same.

This bill is supported by the “DC Climate Coalition,” which is comprised of more than 110 environmental and justice advocacy organizations, faith groups, unions, consumer advocacy organizations, D.C. businesses, and more.

CONTACT:
Denise Robbins, Communications Director, CCAN Action Fund, denise@chesapeakeclimate.org, 608-620-8819
Barbara Briggs, 350 DC, barbarahbriggs@gmail.com, 412-417-9384
Justin McCarthy, DC Climate Coalition, jlawrencemccarthy@gmail.com, 540-312-3797

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Hopeful Future for DC in the Face of UN Report

Hopeful Future for DC in the Face of UN Report

By Camila Thorndike

 

The “Clean Energy DC Act” gains momentum with a huge turn out at city council hearing after the shocking United Nations report on the environment.

Just after the Senate confirmed an anti-environment majority to the Supreme Court, the United Nations released a new report that says we have a mere ten years to cut the rate of global carbon emissions in half. Gut punch.

So Tuesday’s incredible hearing for the “Clean Energy DC Act” could not have come at a better time, and despite all the turmoil, it was an AMAZING day.

And here’s the even better news: Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie has scheduled the next hearing in his committee on Business and Economic Development!

Please join me in thanking Councilmember McDuffie for scheduling a hearing to advance the Clean Energy DC Act through his committee. Politicians get a lot of heat for inaction on climate — let’s be sure to thank them when they do the right thing!

The room was packed at Tuesday’s hearing. About 90 people signed up to testify in Councilmember Cheh’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment — and nearly all of them testified in strong support. Experts testified that 100% clean electricity by 2032 is not only possible, but that the target date should be moved up to 2026. Advocates praised the groundbreaking proposed energy efficiency standards for existing buildings, which are the largest source of local pollution, as well as new funding for the Green Bank and Sustainable Energy Utility.

 

 

There’s nothing like seven straight hours of climate calls to action to leave a gal feeling hopeful and empowered again!

While Councilmember Cheh’s hearing gave us a much-needed boost of energy, rest assured that the opposition isn’t going to let this big bill just walk over the finish line. They are hyping up concerns about ratepayer impacts — but ignoring the costs of inaction. They are arguing we need more time for study — as if the last three years of stakeholder dialogues haven’t sufficed. They are acknowledging the severity of the climate crisis in one side of their mouth, and out of the other, saying “not this, not now, not here.”

At Councilmember McDuffie’s hearing on the Clean Energy DC Act, we’ll need to turn out in even bigger numbers, with even more persuasive stories on why it’s time the District stepped up to the climate challenge.

But for now, please send Councilmember McDuffie a message of thanks for scheduling a hearing on this critical bill!

The hearing is scheduled for October 29 at 10:00 am, so mark your calendars (and you’ll be hearing more from us on that soon). In the meantime, we encourage you to submit written testimony in support of the Clean Energy DC Act to the committee staff, Ms. Benjamin, at abenjamin@dccouncil.us. Written testimony will be accepted until October 23rd. Reply to this email for talking points or any questions about how to submit testimony!

See you soon, friends, and thank you for all your hard work on this campaign of hope.

DC can’t wait, and the planet can’t either. Recap from the kickoff

DC can’t wait, and the planet can’t either. Recap from the kickoff

By Ashlai Murray

On Monday, the DC Climate Coalition and dozens of DC residents gathered at the D.C. Council building with Councilmember Mary Cheh to urge councilmembers to strive for climate leadership by passing the Clean Energy DC Act.

Cheh’s presence was strengthened by voices from the community who supported the Act. An installer for New Columbia Solar and resident of Ward 8, Tyshaun expressed how cleaner energy can provide an opportunity for more jobs for people in the community.

Tiffany Aziz, an organizer for the “Not in My Community” coalition, shared excitement for alternative forms of energy such as solar panels pushed to make D.C greater. She was joined by her coalition partner Will Jones — and his adorable baby girl!

A Service Employees International Union 32BJ officer, Judith Howell expressed that the Clean Energy DC Act would invest in energy efficiency, clean energy, jobs for DC workers and help low-income residents pay their bills.

Residents of DC agreed they can’t wait and planet earth can’t wait either. Urge your Councilmember to support the Clean Energy DC Act and #ActOnClimateDC! www.carbonpricedc.org/take-action/

DC Councilmember Mary Cheh to Announce Strongest Climate Bill in the Country

DC Councilmember Mary Cheh to Announce Strongest Climate Bill in the Country

After Mayor Bowser commits to strong carbon reduction goals at Global Climate Action Summit, Councilmember and coalition announce new momentum behind nation-leading bill to meet DC’s climate goals

Bill includes the strongest renewable electricity requirement in the country and comprehensive, economy-wide approach to reducing emissions

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, DC Councilmember Mary Cheh (Ward 3) announced the details of a nation-leading new bill that takes a comprehensive approach to reducing carbon emissions. The newly introduced bill, known as the “Clean Energy DC Act,” would implement the strongest renewable electricity standard in the country, create groundbreaking building efficiency standards, and increase an existing fee on dirty energy that would create revenue for clean electricity projects and low-income ratepayer assistance.

Today’s press conference comes on the heels of superstorm Florence, which brought intense floods that devastated North and South Carolina, killing at least 42 people. Experts say the flooding was worsened by global warming and sea level rise.

It also took place shortly after Mayor Muriel Bowser committed to bold new climate goals at a global summit in San Francisco, including carbon neutrality by 2050. Councilmember Cheh explained how the “Clean Energy DC Act” positions DC to achieve the ambitious climate goals to which Mayor Muriel Bowser recently pledged.

“The Clean Energy DC Act is an important step forward to meeting our cutting edge, progressive goals for greenhouse gas reductions,” said DC Councilmember Mary Cheh (Ward 3). “This legislation puts the District of Columbia at the forefront of the nation in responding to climate change and also directly aligns us with the Mayor’s even more aggressive goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.”

“After mobilizing thousands of concerned residents over the last three years, the DC Climate Coalition applauds Councilmember Cheh’s leadership, Mayor Bowser’s vision, and Chairman Mendelson’s precedent in building real climate leadership here in the nation’s capital,” said Camila Thorndike, DC Campaign Director of the CCAN Action Fund. “For the District to reach its climate goals, Council must swiftly pass the Clean Energy DC Act. We stand with voters, businesses and residents who are counting on the Council to pass this critical Clean Energy DC bill before the close of the 2018 session.”

Previous to the global climate action summit, Bowser has committed to reducing DC’s fossil fuel emissions 50 percent by 2032. DC is currently not on track to meet these ambitious climate goals. The “Clean Energy DC Act” would put the District on track to achieve them. A recent analysis from the Department of Energy and Environment shows that by 2032, the “Clean Energy DC Act” would reduce DC’s annual greenhouse gas emissions 49.4 percent from 2006 levels.

“Right now we face the choice between staying where we are or choosing an economy that protects our planet and responds to needs of working people,” said Judith Howell, SEIU 32BJ Member and security officer. “Our communities deserve clean energy and the jobs it brings—not the fossil fuel pollution stealing air from our lungs, safety from our homes, and dollars from our pocketbooks. DC Council must pass this bill quickly.”

“Nurses are on the front-lines seeing patients whose health is negatively impacted by climate change,” said Katie Huffling, Executive Director of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments and a nurse. “We strongly support the Clean Energy Act of 2018 as it helps DC lead the way in protecting the health of its citizens from effects of climate change by developing the strongest plan possible, with the greatest reductions in carbon pollution of any city in the US.”

The “Clean Energy DC Act” would strengthen the District’s renewable electricity requirement to 100 percent by 2032 through the Renewable Portfolio Standard. This would put DC on the fastest timeline to 100 percent clean electricity in the country — California recently passed a bill for 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045.

Tyshaun Turner, a solar installer in DC, stated: “After completing several internships like Solar Works DC, I knew I wanted to be in the solar industry. Afterward, New Columbia Solar provided me a job with several growth opportunities and reliability.”

It also creates groundbreaking efficiency standards for new and existing buildings and funds local programs to assist low-income residents as the city transitions to more sustainable clean energy systems.

In addition, this legislation takes aim at emissions from home heating and transportation. It would scale up an existing heating fee called the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF), which would raise up to $70 million to finance renewable energy projects and provide assistance to low-income DC residents. It would also adjust the vehicle excise tax to incentivize clean cars and make owning dirty vehicles more expensive. The legislation also authorizes the District to put a price on transportation fuels if Virginia and Maryland commit to the same.

This bill is supported by the “DC Climate Coalition,” which is comprised of more than 100 environmental and justice advocacy organizations, faith groups, unions, consumer advocacy organizations, D.C. businesses, and more.

CONTACT:

Denise Robbins, Communications Director, CCAN Action Fund, denise@chesapeakeclimate.org, 608-620-8819
Rebekah Whilden, Sierra Club DC Chapter, Rebekah.whilden@sierraclub.org, 828-242-6174
Justin McCarthy,  DC Climate Coalition, jlawrencemccarthy@gmail.com, 540-312-3797

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About the name change

About the name change

This coalition formed around the goal of putting a price on carbon in the District , which is why we were called the “Put A Price On It, DC” coalition.

What was eventually introduced by Councilmember Mary Cheh, the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act (“Clean Energy DC Act”),  is different than the carbon price we called for. However, Councilmember Cheh and the rest of our Councilmembers heard loud and clear that DC residents want strong action to reduce carbon emissions. They heard our demand for a transition to renewable energy sources to avoid the worst impacts of global warming, to protect our health and the health of our planet.

The Clean Energy DC Act was introduced on July 10 and is currently co-sponsored by seven members of DC Council. If passed, the bill will take important steps to reduce DC’s reliance on fossil fuels. It will significantly cut emissions and place DC among the frontrunners of states and cities fighting climate change. It also reflects our campaign’s hard-won principles of strong, economy-wide emission reductions with a focus on equity

As such, this is a true victory that would not be happening without this coalition’s tireless advocacy.

That’s why we will fight for its passage, and why we are rebranding as the “DC Climate Coalition.”

We have two main goals: to make sure this bill is as strong as possible while protecting low-income residents, and to pass the bill THIS YEAR.

One thing is certain: Every day we fail to take action makes the climate crisis worse. It means more people will die in hurricanes intensified by warmer waters or get sick from extreme heat. There is no time to wait. We need serious climate action now, and that means passing the “Clean Energy DC Act” as soon as possible.

Our Coalition still believes that a carbon fee-and-rebate policy — with a carbon price strong enough to reflect the devastating costs of burning fossil fuels, and a rebate to enfranchise all of us in the transitionis the best way to address climate change. But we also believe that the Clean Energy DC Act is a nation-leading policy that will serve a similar purpose. The funds raised by increasing the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund, for example, can be used to help us begin to pay for the needed transition to clean energy, and for special programs to assist low- to middle- income residents. They can also be used to help DC businesses invest in the clean energy economy. (Read more about the bill here.)

So, the “DC Climate Coalition” will continue to ask:

– What price would we be willing to pay for a healthy planet?

– What value would we give healthy children and grandchildren?

Most DC residents would agree on the answer: Priceless.

We’re all working together for a better future in DC. Let’s get it done!