Environment

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Oct 1, 2025

B 26-0313: Parkside Canopy Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

This bill temporarily exempts Heritage Trees in Lots 865-869 of Square 5056 (Parkside mixed-use development) from removal requirements under the Urban Forest Preservation Act. It applies only to trees on these specific lots where a planned unit development was approved by the Zoning Commission before July 1, 2016. The exemption expires 225 days after the bill takes effect.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts heritage trees from Urban Forest Preservation Act requirements, allowing removal and weakening conservation protections for specific trees in a development area.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Dec 11, 2025

B 26-0361: Shine Safely Act of 2025

The Shine Safely Act of 2025 (B 26-0361) bans the sale and distribution of mercury-containing compact fluorescent and linear fluorescent lamps in the District of Columbia starting in 2027 for screw/bayonet types and 2028 for pin-base types. It directly affects retailers, manufacturers, and consumers purchasing these lamps, requiring a transition to safer LED alternatives. The bill includes exemptions for specialized lamps used in medical imaging, disinfection, ozone generation, and other specific applications. This phaseout aims to reduce mercury exposure risks to public health, workers, and the environment while promoting energy-efficient lighting.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBans mercury lamps, mandates transition to energy-efficient LEDs, reducing energy consumption and aligning with efficiency standards.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans mercury-containing lamps (a toxic pollutant) to reduce environmental contamination, mandates transition to safer LEDs, directly advancing pollution control and environmental protection.95% confidence

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signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Dec 5, 2025

B 26-0374: Green Housing Coordination Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill requires large residential and mixed-use construction projects (50,000+ square feet) receiving Housing Production Trust Fund assistance to meet net zero energy standards under the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria (specifically elements 5.4 or 5.5b). It mandates the Department to submit biannual reports starting March 2026 detailing progress on developing net zero energy building code regulations and challenges to implementation. The bill also removes conflicting net zero energy compliance requirements from the Green Building Act of 2006 that previously applied to residential/mixed-use projects. It expires after 90 days or upon final regulations from the Clean Energy DC Building Code Amendment Act.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates net zero energy standards for large construction projects, advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy use in buildings per Enterprise Green Communities Criteria.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates net zero energy standards for large housing projects, advancing emissions reduction and sustainable building practices under environmental criteria.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires net zero energy standards for publicly funded housing projects, advancing sustainable development and potentially reducing long-term costs for residents.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Climate Change Building Codes

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Oct 1, 2025

B 26-0320: Long Bridge Project Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

This bill temporarily amends the Urban Forest Preservation Act to allow removal of Heritage Trees near the Long Bridge Project (managed by Virginia Passenger Rail Authority) under specific conditions. It requires the Mayor to issue a permit only if: no design alternative avoids the tree, the tree cannot be protected in place, relocation costs exceed $1 million or would cause public burden, and the applicant pays $1,200 per inch of tree circumference. The amendment applies solely to this project and expires 225 days after enactment. It directly affects developers of the Long Bridge Project and the District’s tree preservation enforcement process.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill temporarily allows removal of protected heritage trees under specific conditions, weakening urban forest preservation requirements in the Urban Forest Preservation Act for a project.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnables Long Bridge Project (rail infrastructure) by allowing tree removal under strict conditions, facilitating transportation project implementation without restricting transit or infrastructure development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Bridges Rail

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 25, 2025

PR 26-0274: Parkside Canopy Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This resolution seeks to exempt specific Heritage Trees in the Parkside mixed-use development (Lots 865-869, Square 5056, Ward 7) from the Urban Forest Preservation Act's permit requirements for tree removal. It directly affects the Parkside project, which includes 209 affordable housing units and retail space (like a grocery store), already approved before the 2016 tree protection amendments. The resolution declares an emergency to bypass standard removal permits, arguing the project’s existing park and green space offset the tree loss. It aims to expedite the development’s construction without requiring the usual Special Tree removal permits under current law.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts Heritage Trees from Urban Forest Preservation Act permit requirements, weakening tree protection regulations for a development project.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts trees to facilitate construction of 209 affordable housing units in Parkside project, enabling completion of approved housing development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Natural Disasters Parks & Recreation Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Property Development

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Feb 14, 2025

PR 26-0047: Department of Energy and Environment Rulemaking Clarification Congressional Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This resolution clarifies that the District of Columbia's Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) can promulgate rules and regulations without requiring a 45-day Council review period. It addresses a drafting error in the 2021 Green Food Purchasing Amendment Act, which incorrectly applied the 45-day review requirement (intended only for the agency's initial rules) to all DOEE rules. The resolution eliminates this unnecessary review process to allow timely implementation of environmental regulations. It is an emergency measure to prevent a legal gap between expiring emergency authority and new permanent legislation. The change directly affects DOEE's rulemaking authority under District environmental laws.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRemoves unnecessary 45-day review for DOEE rules, enabling timely implementation of environmental regulations by correcting a drafting error in the 2021 Green Food Purchasing Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Natural Disasters Tags Emergency Management

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jan 23, 2026

B 26-0066: Youth Advisory Council on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation Establishment Act of 2025

This bill establishes the Youth Advisory Council on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation in the District of Columbia. The council, composed of 17 members (9 appointed by the Mayor representing middle school, high school, and college students; 8 appointed by the Council Chairman representing each ward), will advise city agencies like the Department of Energy and Environment on climate policies. It directly affects District youth aged 11-24 who meet residency and climate engagement requirements, ensuring their input shapes environmental strategies. The council’s key role is to comment on relevant legislation, identify climate impacts on youth, and recommend improvements to environmental education and programs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes Youth Advisory Council to advise on climate policies, directly promoting environmental conservation efforts per bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Apr 1, 2025

B 26-0178: Natural Areas Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025

The Natural Areas Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025 establishes a new program within the District of Columbia's Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to protect and restore natural areas like parks, forests, wetlands, and shorelines owned or managed by the city. The program requires DOEE to develop a stewardship plan within 24 months, use integrated pest management to control invasive plants, and partner with community groups and the University of the District of Columbia to plant native species and manage trash. It authorizes DOEE to issue grants for community-led projects that provide training, tools, and technical assistance for invasive plant removal and low-impact recreation (such as hiking and birdwatching) in natural areas. The bill also mandates coordination with city departments like Parks and Recreation and the Metropolitan Police Department to maintain trails, combat illegal dumping, and monitor natural area conditions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes DOEE program to protect/restores natural areas, requires stewardship plans, invasive species management, and community partnerships for conservation.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation Waste Management

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died · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 9, 2025

B 26-0298: Parkside Canopy Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

This bill temporarily exempts specific Heritage Trees in Lots 865-869 of Square 5056 (Parkside mixed-use development) from removal restrictions under the Urban Forest Preservation Act. It applies only to trees in this area where a planned unit development was approved by the Zoning Commission before July 1, 2016. The exemption is temporary, expiring 225 days after the bill takes effect, and does not change general tree protection rules for other areas.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts Heritage Trees from removal restrictions under Urban Forest Preservation Act, weakening tree protection rules for this specific area95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Jan 9, 2026

B 26-0055: Nonprofit Solar Tax Exemption Amendment Act of 2025

This bill exempts nonprofit organizations in Washington, D.C. from real property taxes on buildings and grounds used for solar energy generation, energy storage, and energy management activities - provided they meet Energy Star guidelines. It directly affects tax-exempt nonprofits that operate qualifying solar infrastructure, removing their tax burden for these specific uses. The bill expands existing tax exemptions under Section 1002 by explicitly including solar energy systems, storage, and management, while also covering electric vehicle charging infrastructure. It does not alter general tax rules but targets a specific category of nonprofit property use.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts nonprofits from property taxes for solar infrastructure, providing direct tax relief aligned with support indicators for fiscal responsibility and sustainable energy funding.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts nonprofits from taxes on solar infrastructure meeting Energy Star guidelines, directly promoting renewable energy adoption through financial incentives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts nonprofits from taxes on solar infrastructure, directly promoting clean energy adoption and reducing barriers to renewable energy use.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Electric Vehicles Energy Storage Solar

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