Media Contact: Alan Heymann (DDOE) 202-741-2136
Washington, DC – To commemorate Earth Day 2009, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty today announced the Green DC Agenda. The Agenda is the Mayor’s blueprint for a healthier, more sustainable city, including action items from agencies across the District government.
“When it comes to the environment, we strive to set an example for cities across the country and around the world,” said Mayor Fenty. “The Green DC Agenda demonstrates how our agencies are prioritizing environmental stewardship, and will drive the District toward being as green as humanly possible.”
The Agenda divides its action items into seven themes: Homes, Schools, Neighborhoods and Community, Parks and Natural Areas, Transit and Mobility, Business, Jobs and Economic Development, and City and Government Operations, with a special focus on the Anacostia River and climate change. The public can view the agenda and track the District’s progress on a new, searchable website at http://green.dc.gov/agenda.
“What we are building is really a government model of sustainability and accountability,” said George Hawkins, Director of the District Department of the Environment (DDOE). “We invite the public to share their thoughts for future versions of the Agenda, using the contact form on the website. We also have a Green Pledge, where District residents can commit to doing their part.
Mayor Fenty and the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP), as part of the Green Agenda, announced an administrative issuance prioritizing the procurement of Environmentally Preferable Products and Services (EPPS).
“We are aggressively exploring opportunities for procuring goods and services that reduce negative impacts on human health and the environment,” said David Gragan, Chief Procurement Officer.
Also at today’s Agenda unveiling, Mayor Fenty announced plans to increase the District’s tree canopy from 34.8 percent to 40 percent.
“Trees make for a more beautiful city, but they’re also extremely important for keeping our buildings cool and reducing water pollution,” said Gabe Klein, Director of the District Department of Transportation, which is responsible for street trees in the District. “The Tree Treaty between the District government and large land owners is designed to tell the public we’re serious about continuing our efforts to dramatically increase the tree canopy.”
As a first step toward the canopy goal, Mayor Fenty, Directors Hawkins and Klein, Chief Procurement Officer, David Gragan, and representatives of Casey Trees planted 9 trees of various species and sizes at River Terrace Elementary School in Ward Seven.