DC Councilmember Cheh Introduces Comprehensive Climate Protection Package to Benefit District Families and Businesses

WASHINGTON DC-- District of Columbia Councilmember Mary Cheh, the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Environment, introduced a comprehensive climate protection and clean energy package today.

The bill includes:

• A requirement for 100 percent clean, renewable electricity by 2032, the most ambitious proposed renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS) currently in the United States. The RPS would also require long term contracts for clean energy resources within the District’s regional electric grid utility, PJM Interconnection, which would mean additional sources of clean energy (such as solar and wind farms) coming onto the market.

• More than doubling of the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund, increasing fees on dirty fuels like oil and gas while exempting renewables, with funds invested in low-income assistance, energy efficiency, and moving from things like fossil-fuel burning furnaces and water heaters to electric alternatives.

• Innovative building energy performance standards for commercial buildings.

• Tying the existing tax on vehicle purchases to an emissions-based standard and authorization for the District to participate in a regional clean transportation policy.

In response, Mark Rodeffer, DC Chapter Chair of the Sierra Club said the following:

“This is a great step in the right direction for DC to do its part to help curb climate change. Through this bill, DC can lead the nation on climate protection legislation that can benefit DC families and businesses. And DC wants more clean energy and clean transportation alternatives.Now is the time for the DC Council to pass this bill when they return from recess and increase clean energy and clean transportation investments.”