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 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.
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.
Why is Kenyan McDuffie So Friendly to Monopoly Utilities?
March 30, 2026
As gas and electric utility rates rose, former DC Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie maintained close ties to Pepco and Washington Gas, receiving campaign donations and holding frequent meetings at the same time he had oversight of utility regulation.
GRID Act Would Cut Energy Bills Amid Repeated Gas and Electric Rate Increases
March 26, 2026
The Sierra Club called on the DC Council to pass the GRID Act to reduce energy bills for DC residents suffering through utility rate increases repeatedly rubber-stamped by the Public Service Commission.
Is Kenyan McDuffie Telling the Truth About Energy Affordability in DC?
March 15, 2026
Kenyan McDuffie isn’t being honest about his record and Janeese Lewis George’s record on utility affordability. She co-introduced multiple utility affordability bills while he spent years helping utilities hike rates on DC residents.
Affordable Housing Residents Should Not be Burdened by Fossil Fuel Costs
March 7, 2026
To protect residents’ health, reduce utility bills, and help meet the District’s climate commitments, affordable housing in DC should be free of fossil fuels and the gas system’s massive pipeline replacement costs.
DC Council Should Not Confirm Commissioners Who Voted for Massive Rate Increases and Wasteful Fossil Fuel Spending
February 27, 2026
At the Public Service Commission oversight hearing, the Sierra Club called on the DC Council to approve the re-nominations of two commissioners only if the Council wants to see continued massive rate increases and wasteful fossil fuel spending.