How did your DC councilmembers vote on environment and climate issues? Check out Sierra Club's DC Council Scorecard and see how councilmembers acted on a range of policies from energy affordability to environmental justice between 2020 and 2025, and whether they were leaders for District residents and our climate.
DC Autonomous Vehicle Legislation Needs Stronger Protections for Transit, Traffic Congestion, and Privacy
July 27, 2026
Legislation allowing autonomous vehicles on DC streets does not adequately address concerns regarding traffic congestion, support for transit, EV charging needs, and data privacy.
Utility Regulation Reform and Clean Energy Are Key to Energy Affordability in DC
June 29, 2026
Testifying before a DC Council energy affordability hearing, DC Chapter Clean Energy Committee Chair Lara Levison called for better utility oversight, full funding of clean energy programs, ending gas pipeline spending, and PJM reform.
What Janeese Lewis George’s Victory Means for Energy Affordability in DC
June 25, 2026
Councilmember Janeese Lewis George's mayoral primary win gives DC a chance to reexamine the policies and regulatory decisions that have contributed to skyrocketing utility bills and chart a new course on clean energy and energy affordability.
Sierra Club Urges DC Regulators to Lower Electricity Costs With Renewables, Efficiency, Demand Response
June 3, 2026
The Sierra Club called on DC utility regulators to rein in DC’s electricity rates via long-term contracts for renewable energy, solar and battery deployment, demand response and virtual power plants, and dynamic electricity pricing to reduce...
DC Needs Stronger Construction Recycling Enforcement and Progress on Net-Zero Building Code
May 6, 2026
Sierra Club volunteer Daniel O’Brien called for strengthening building construction and demolition material recycling in DC, restoring funding for the Food Policy Council, and ensuring strong building code processes amid mayoral recalcitrance.
Councilmembers Allen, Felder Join Advocates to Rally Against Bowser’s Budget Cuts to Climate and Environmental Programs
May 4, 2026
After utility bills skyrocketed this winter and pollution in the Potomac River hit a record high, lawmakers, advocates, and community members rally to protect programs that lower costs, safeguard public health, and keep DC’s waterways clean.
Mayor Bowser Seeks to Slash Department of Energy and Environment Budget for Second Straight Year
May 1, 2026
The Sierra Club called on the DC Council to reverse Mayor Bowser's proposed budget cuts because they would increase utility bills, worsen air quality, and harm public health.
DPW Budget Should Protect Waste Diversion Programs and EV Requirements
April 30, 2026
Zero Waste Committee Co-Chair Eve Hamilton raised concerns about funding for Department of Public Works waste diversion and composting programs, raiding funds for solid waste transfer facilities, and delaying DC's zero-emission vehicle requirements.
DC's Budget Should Prioritize Transportation Safety and Electrification
April 27, 2026
At DDOT’s budget oversight hearing, the Sierra Club called for fully funding Vision Zero, EV charging, e-bike incentives, DC fleet electrification, transit at RFK and congestion pricing.
Mayor's Budget Forfeits Federal Matching Funds, Driving Up Utility Bills
April 27, 2026
The District has $60 million in federal matching funds for energy efficiency measures that reduce utility bills, but DC so far has forfeited all but $3 million of the federal match because the mayor has repeatedly diverted local clean energy funds.