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Fenty Announces Plan for District Government to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 30% by 2020

Friday, September 10, 2010

Releases “Climate of Opportunity” Draft Plan to Engage Public and Build a Greener, More Sustainable District

Washington DC - Mayor Adrian Fenty announced that the District Government is already taking action to slash its emissions of greenhouse gases responsible for climate change and is on target to reduce emissions 20% by 2012 and 30% by 2020.  “Climate of Opportunity—A Draft Climate Action Plan for the District of Columbia”—released today for public comment—identifies specific actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Government Operations. 

Mayor Fenty said, “The District is recognized as among the greenest cities in America, leading the nation in green building practices and transportation policies. Our “Climate of Opportunity” plan lays out an aggressive and achievable program to further improve energy efficiency and reduce the emissions causing climate change. The District Government is already demonstrating strong leadership, but it’s critical that our whole community work together to define targets and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable growth, create jobs and new markets for renewable energy, alternative fuel vehicles and efficient buildings. Together, we can define a green vision for the District's future: a strong economy, a cleaner environment, and healthier citizens.”

The District Department of the Environment (DDOE) coordinated efforts of numerous District agencies to complete an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions (available at green.dc.gov) and to develop the Climate of Opportunity draft plan. The draft plans’ goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from District Government Operations are among the most aggressive targets in the nation. 

To help the District prepare to compete and thrive in an increasingly carbon-focused economy, the Climate of Opportunity plan identifies existing and proposed actions residents, businesses, and institutions can take to reduce pollution and energy consumption. Community emissions—those outside the direct operational control of the District Government—make up 94% of the District’s overall emissions. Targets and strategic actions for reducing community-wide reductions in greenhouse gases will be developed during a public engagement process; residents, businesses and subject matter experts are encouraged to participate actively in these discussions.

Christophe A.G. Tulou, Acting Director of DDOE, said, “Finalizing and implementing a climate action plan will improve the city in which we live and work.  Protecting the climate isn’t just a global issue, it’s about reducing energy and water use to save money and reduce pollution from greenhouse gases.  It is documented that our carbon footprint has increased dramatically over the past 100 years.  We have a responsibility to ourselves, our children, and our environment to do something to stop it.”
    
The plan can be viewed and comments submitted to the DDOE website green.dc.gov; copies may be obtained by calling DDOE at (202) 535-2600 or e-mailing [email protected]. DDOE seeks public comment on the proposed Government Operations plan through November 15, 2010 and will hold a briefing to review these proposed actions and seek public input. Additional public meetings and working sessions during Fall 2010 will focus on development of Community emission reduction targets and actions that individuals, the private sector and federal government can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.