The Clean Energy Committee campaigns to combat climate change by transforming DC's energy sector. We are working on improving energy efficiency, replacing fracked gas in buildings with 100% renewable electricity, and supporting local generation of clean energy. The committee seeks to bring the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency to residents and businesses in all walks of life throughout the District. Keeping in mind that the worst effects of climate change will be disproportionately experienced by underserved communities, the committee shapes its agenda and partners with other organizations to emphasize energy justice.
Please take a look at our latest news for the committee's accomplishments and to see the work we do on our issue campaigns.
Last update: October 14, 2024
DC Chapter Clean Energy Committee Current Campaigns
See below about our current campaigns. The Energy Committee is composed entirely of volunteers. Interested in getting involved? Please contact Lara Levison, Energy Committee Chair (clean.energy@dc.sierraclub.org), for more information.
Beyond Gas Subcommittee
The Beyond Gas Subcommittee advocates for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from our gas utility. About a fifth of DC’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the gas utility, according to official figures, but because gas leaks are severely underreported, emissions from the gas sector are likely much higher. DC has committed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and that commitment cannot be met if DC continues its reliance on burning gas. To get involved or for more information, email beyondgas@dc.sierraclub.org. You can also check out our website, beyondgasdc.org.
Solar Subgroup
Our solar subgroup tracks solar-related issues in the District, from District-run solar access and workforce programs to easy and affordable access to residential and community solar. While solar power reduces reliance on fossil fuels, directly impacting our air quality and health, it can also be a low-cost electricity source. Phasing Out Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent light bulbs, though often associated with energy efficiency, are less efficient and less safe than LEDs. While they have been largely phased out of homes, fluorescent bulbs are still commonly used in larger commercial and government buildings, which account for a significant portion of electricity use in the District. Due to their toxic mercury content, many U.S. states have begun banning fluorescents. Our Energy Committee is working to help the District join these efforts by promoting energy efficiency and reducing mercury exposure by phasing out fluorescent light bulbs.
Other sources for information about clean energy policies in DC
Want to learn more about clean energy policies in DC? Check out the resources below:
- District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE): The Department of Energy and Environment is the District of Columbia’s resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, products and services. DOEE develops energy-related policies and plans, and coordinates and facilitates the overall effort of the District Government to achieve reliable, clean and affordable energy.
- Clean Energy DC Report (2018): Clean Energy DC is the District of Columbia’s climate and energy plan. It explains how the District will use forward-looking energy policies to achieve its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets for 2032, while also encouraging innovation, efficiency, and resiliency. Clean Energy DC identifies what actions need to be taken between now and 2032 in our buildings, our energy infrastructure, and our transportation system to meet the District’s ambitious GHG reduction targets. DOEE is in the process of preparing Clean Energy DC 2.0 to update this report.
- Renewable Portfolio Standard: Electricity suppliers in DC must meet gradually increasing minimums of renewable energy. By 2032, 50% of electricity must be from renewable sources with at least 5% coming from solar power generated in DC.
- DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU): The DC Council created the DCSEU to make energy efficiency and clean energy more accessible to residents and businesses in the District. The DCSEU’s funding comes from the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF) and the Renewable Energy Development Fund (REDF). The SETF is financed by a surcharge on all electric and natural gas utility ratepayers in the District of Columbia. The REDF is financed by compliance fees paid by competitive energy suppliers.
- DC Public Service Commission (PSC): The PSC functions as an independent, quasi-judicial agency in the District of Columbia Government. The mission of the PSC is to serve the public interest by ensuring that financially healthy electric, natural gas, and telecommunications companies provide safe, reliable, and quality services at reasonable rates for District of Columbia residential, business, and government customers. In 2018, the DC Council explicitly added addressing climate change to the PSC’s mission.
Interested in getting involved? Please contact Lara Levison, Energy Committee Chair (clean.energy@dc.sierraclub.org) or Peter Quinn-Jacobs (vice.chair@dc.sierraclub.org), Vice Chair for more information.
You can also take a look at our latest news for the committee's accomplishments and to see the work we do on our issue campaigns.