DC Mayor Muriel Bowser convened a press conference to share details about the District’s recent major wind power purchase and to announce that her re-designation of the District Department of the Environment as the Department of Energy and Environment.
“Here in the District, we know that clean energy improves public health and spurs economic development,” said Mayor Bowser. “This is about more than just a name change; our energy needs and our environmental concerns go hand in hand. That’s why I’ve tasked Tommy Wells and his team with rethinking how we bring more green, affordable energy to all eight wards.”
During the event, Mayor Bowser was joined by Director Wells, who underscored the significance of this name change from a policy perspective, which includes plans to invest agency resources to help District residents by improving DC’s energy efficiency and expanding access to solar power.
“Now—more than ever—is a critical time for the District to show leadership in energy for our residents and businesses,” said Director Tommy Wells. “Over the coming weeks, the Department of Energy and Environment will announce several initiatives, from utilizing solar power to help District residents reduce their power bills to lowering financial barriers and expanding renewable energy access to District-based small businesses through innovative policy-driven public-private investment.”