Environment in District of Columbia

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

B 26-0058: Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Amendment Act of 2025

The "Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Amendment Act of 2025" would require a 10-cent deposit on most beverage containers (bottles and cans) sold in the District of Columbia, with a refund available when empty containers are returned for recycling. The program would be managed by a nonprofit funded by beverage distributors and overseen by the Department of Energy and the Environment. The bill aims to increase recycling rates and reduce litter, citing evidence from other states where similar programs achieved return rates over 50 percent. It directly affects consumers (who pay the deposit and receive refunds) and beverage distributors (who fund the nonprofit).

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

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

B 26-0277: Parkside Support Amendment Act of 2025

This bill exempts certain heritage tree protections for the Parkside mixed-use development project (Lots 865-869 in Square 5056) that had prior zoning approval before July 1, 2016. It provides tax abatements of up to $300,000 annually for 30 years on these lots, contingent on issuing a final building certificate by September 30, 2029. The bill also includes refunds for related development fees paid by the project owner. It directly affects the Parkside development project owners through these tax and tree regulation changes.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Aug 8, 2025

B 26-0319: Long Bridge Project Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This emergency bill modifies the Urban Forest Preservation Act to allow removal of Heritage Trees adjacent to the Long Bridge Project (managed by Virginia Passenger Rail Authority) under specific conditions. The Mayor must issue permits if no design alternative avoids the tree, in-place protection is impossible, relocation costs exceed $1 million or causes public burden, and the project pays $1,200 per inch of tree circumference. It directly affects the Long Bridge Project developers and Heritage Tree owners by creating a streamlined removal process for trees on or near the project site. The bill is temporary, taking effect immediately but lasting only 90 days as an emergency measure.

Topics ✗ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Forestry Bridges Rail

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 31, 2025

B 26-0065: Solar Shade Expansion Amendment Act of 2025

This bill requires the District's Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to conduct a feasibility study by January 2026 identifying 20 specific locations - such as parks, roads, bike lanes, and private property - for installing solar canopies. These structures generate solar energy while providing shade, aiming to address heat exposure and expand renewable energy. The bill mandates that the District's Capital Improvements Plan fund five solar canopy projects starting in fiscal year 2027, and authorizes DOEE to issue grants to private entities for similar projects. It directly affects the District government, which must implement the study and funding, and private property owners who may access grant support.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

died · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 9, 2025

B 26-0297: Parkside Canopy Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill exempts specific Heritage Trees in the Parkside mixed-use development project from removal requirements under the Urban Forest Preservation Act. It directly affects the Parkside project (Lots 865-869, Square 5056) by allowing tree removal to proceed without violating heritage tree protections, as the Zoning Commission approved the project before July 1, 2016. The key provision amends the 2002 law to exclude these trees from preservation rules, enabling the development to move forward. The exemption applies only to the specified lots and is structured as an emergency measure.

Topics ✗ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Forestry Historic Preservation Property Development Zoning

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Feb 27, 2026

B 26-0375: Green Housing Coordination Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

This bill requires large residential and mixed-use housing projects (50,000+ square feet) receiving funding from the District’s Housing Production Trust Fund to meet net zero energy and net zero carbon standards by 2026. It directs the Department to report every six months on progress toward developing universal net zero energy building regulations, including barriers and potential law changes. The requirements are temporary, expiring after 225 days or when final regulations under the Clean Energy DC Building Code Act are issued. The bill also removes existing net zero energy compliance provisions for residential/mixed-use projects under the Green Building Act of 2006.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Climate Change

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Feb 14, 2025

PR 26-0040: Contract No. CW117574 with Compost Crew, Inc. A Benefit Corporation Approval and Payment Authorization Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This bill approves a $4.5 million contract extension for Compost Crew, Inc. (a benefit corporation) to provide residential organic waste collection services across Washington, D.C., from July 2024 through July 2025. It authorizes payment for services already delivered and to be delivered under the existing agreement, which has been modified multiple times to extend its duration without increasing cost until the final modification. The resolution treats this as an emergency to ensure uninterrupted service and payment compliance.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Natural Disasters

died · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 9, 2025

PR 26-0255: Parkside Canopy Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This resolution (PR 26-0255) declares an emergency to exempt five Heritage Trees in the Parkside mixed-use development (Lots 865-869, Square 5056, Ward 7) from the District’s Urban Forest Preservation Act requirements. It directly affects the Parkside project, which includes 209 affordable housing units and retail space (like a grocery store), by allowing removal of these specific trees without a Special Tree removal permit. The resolution bypasses standard tree protection rules to support the project’s economic development, noting the development already created new green space to offset the tree loss. This is an emergency declaration, not a new law, and takes effect immediately.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry Natural Disasters

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Sep 12, 2025

B 26-0040: 1333 M Street, SE Tax Abatement Amendment Act of 2025

This bill provides a 15-year tax abatement for the 1333 M Street, SE development project (River’s Edge) in Ward 6, starting in 2029. It reduces real property taxes on the site by covering amounts exceeding $150,000 annually, but only if the developer sets aside 12% of residential units for households earning ≤60% of median income and completes specific neighborhood improvements. These include a greenway on Water Street, reconstructed bike trails, pedestrian plazas, and 52 public bicycle spaces. The tax relief directly benefits the developer (FRF Land Owner LLC) and aims to support affordable housing and public infrastructure in the Anacostia River neighborhood.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Property Development Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Oct 17, 2025

PR 26-0335: CRIAC Clarification Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This resolution clarifies that DC Water may charge property owners - including those not connected to the sewer system (like parking lot owners) - an impervious area charge (CRIAC) to fund the Clean Rivers Project. The charge helps pay for upgrades to the District’s combined sewer system, mandated by a federal consent order, to reduce stormwater overflows during heavy rain. It addresses legal challenges questioning whether non-sewer-connected properties should pay the CRIAC, affirming the Council’s intent to spread the cost equitably. The resolution is an emergency measure to maintain this authority after temporary legislation expired.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Natural Disasters Water Quality

All environment bills