65 climate activists engage DC Council Chairman Mendelson on climate policy!
Climate and racial justice is the cornerstone of our movements climate advocacy.
Climate and utility experts make the case for changing Public Service Commission oversight.
QUICK UPDATE:

Last Tuesday, in the middle of the holiday, over 65 climate activists, and others, engaged Chairman Phil Mendelson in a discussion on climate policy.

The emphasis of most of the participants was to share a clear and focused defense of our view that the DC Council has an opportunity to make the development and implementation of climate crisis policy more effective, and more just and equitable, by moving the oversight of the Public Service Commission (PSC) from the Committee on Business and Economic Development to the Committee on Transportation and the Environment. 

Local energy and utility experts, some who frequently engage the Public Service Commision, presented our fundamental rationale for this adjustment to the Chair, including (partial):

  • Nina Dodge, D.C. Climate Action
  • John Macgregor, DC Climate Action
  • Cliff Majersik, Institute for Market Transformation
  • Andrea Crooms, We Power DC

With a tight schedule, the Chairman graciously gave us extra time allowing others to share their views. Arguably we could have spent half a day on this important topic.

The DC Environmental Network is very proud that a large number of leaders in our climate movement showed up and let the Chairman know we care.

Our efforts on this issue continue to be an uphill battle but DCEN believes we made a statement on Tuesday that should help us with our climate advocacy in 2021.
DC Budget Process Briefing
To achieve our many environmental health goals in DC we often have to engage in budget advocacy.
Photo by Chris Weiss, DC Environmental Network
On January 13th, learn about the DC budget process and network with the
DC Fiscal Policy Institute!
Mark your calendar!

On January 13th at 1:30 PM, join the DC Environmental Network for a briefing and networking opportunity with the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (DCFPI).

Our primary goals. One, to give a quick overview of the District governments budget process, with emphasis on the legislative branch. Two, to introduce DCEN participants to Tazra Mitchell, Policy Director at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, and re-introduce you to our longtime friend and colleague, Kate Coventry, Senior Policy Analyst at DCFPI. And finally, to give participants a preview of recently passed environmental legislation that is "subject to appropriation" (unfunded) including the zero-waste omnibus and energy efficiency appliance standards laws that were sent to the Mayor for signature. Both these bills, and others, will need budgetary consideration in 2021.

Our panelists:

  • Tazra Mitchell, Policy Director, DC Fiscal Policy Institute
  • Kate Coventry, Senior Policy Analyst, DC Fiscal Policy Institute
  • Chris Weiss, Executive Director, DC Environmental Network

All are welcome. Bring your budget questions and priorities to share.

You need to register below to receive Zoom meeting links.
Are you coming to the DCEN budget briefing and networking event?
LOCATION
RSVP and we will send you ZOOM meeting links!

DATE AND TIME
01/13/21 1:30pm - 01/13/21 3:00pm

I'll be there!
Maybe
I can't make it