Business, faith, and environmental groups today praised landmark energy legislation introduced by Councilmember Mary Cheh and co-sponsored by Councilmember Marion Barry. The “Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2007” aims to create a sustainable energy utility that will launch energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in the District that save people money and create opportunities for green collar jobs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          
January 30, 2008                                

JANUARY 30, 2008–Business, faith, and environmental groups today praised landmark energy legislation introduced by Councilmembers Alexander, Bowser, Brown, Catania, Cheh, Thomas, and Wells, Chairman Gray, and co-sponsored by Councilmember Marion Barry. The “Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2007” aims to create a sustainable energy utility that will launch energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in the District that save people money and create opportunities for green collar jobs.

“The Clean and Affordable Energy Act tackles two of the District’s biggest problems simultaneously,” said Claire Douglass, DC Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, a group working to expand renewable energy use in the District. “It reduces energy costs, making electricity bills more affordable for everyone, while at the same time reducing pollution and combating the growing threat of global warming.”

The legislation will establish a sustainable energy utility charged with reducing the city’s energy use. The utility will also be responsible for training District residents to perform green-collar jobs and for helping low-income residents reduce their bills through energy efficiency. The District’s sustainable utility proposal concept is based on successful models in place in VT and OR.

“I am proud to see DC recognize the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency for our all our residents, including the poorest among us,” said Allison Fisher, coordinator of Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light (GWIPL). “And by including a component on green-collar jobs, this bill sets the groundwork for everyone to participate in the new green economy.”

“Green-collar jobs” result when the government requires buildings to be more energy efficient. As more efficient buildings are built, more work will be created to retrofit them with solar panels, insulation and other weatherizing materials.

“I am encouraged to see the District positioning itself as one of the leading cities in tackling global warming,” said Chris Weiss of the environmental group Friends of the Earth. “Now what is needed is firm commitments to global warming pollution reductions on par with what scientists tell us are necessary to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.”

Gary Skulnik of Clean Currents, a company that sells clean energy to businesses and residents of the District, praised the bill for requiring 20% of the District’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2020, known as a renewable portfolio standard, or RPS. “The demand for renewable energy is increasing rapidly, and the District will be on the leading edge with this bill. A strong RPS means a company like Clean Currents will be guaranteed a thriving market in the future.”

The bill was heard today by the Committee on Public Services and Community Affairs at 10:00 AM.