Clean Energy

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 moving away from vehicles that burn fossil fuels in favor of clean, electric vehicles. Furthermore, 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: January 27, 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.

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.

  • 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.

  • Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE): The program provides financing solutions to help property owners implement energy efficiency improvements by attaching special tax assessment to the properties. Leveraging the District’s ability to fund improvements in the public interest, voluntary assessments, and qualified owners can opt-in to receive financing that is repaid through the assessment of property taxes. Assessments are attached to the property even when it is sold, with payment terms covering a longer period than conventional financing (up to 20 

  •  Clean Energy DC Report: Clean Energy DC is the District of Columbia’s new 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 clearly 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. It lists 55 actions that we as a community can do today, next steps for each, and what we will need to do in the 

  • 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.

Interested in getting involved? Please contact Lara Levison, Energy Committee Chair (laralevison@comcast.net) or Peter Quinn-Jacobs (peterqj@quinn-jacobs.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.