Energy

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature May 21, 2026

B 26-0586: Net Zero Modification and Preservation Temporary Amendment Act of 2026

This bill temporarily modifies energy requirements for certain construction projects in Washington, D.C. It exempts specific types of buildings from net zero energy compliance, including temporary structures (like trailers), small additions under 10,000 square feet, public safety facilities (police/fire stations), and indoor pools (natatoriums). Projects with permits submitted before October 1, 2024, also qualify for the exemption. The changes apply until the Mayor issues final regulations under the Clean Energy DC Building Code Act, providing temporary flexibility for developers of these project types.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill exempts buildings from net zero energy compliance, weakening clean energy standards by creating temporary exceptions to requirements.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 13, 2026

B 26-0585: Net Zero Modification and Preservation Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

This bill modifies the Green Building Act of 2006 to exempt specific projects from net zero energy compliance requirements. It exempts temporary buildings (like trailers), small additions under 10,000 sq ft, police/fire facilities, natatoriums (indoor pool complexes), and projects with permits submitted before October 1, 2024. The bill also updates definitions in the Clean Energy DC Building Code Act to clarify these exemptions and delays full compliance until new Mayor-issued regulations take effect. These changes directly affect developers and builders of qualifying residential and nonresidential projects in Washington, D.C. The amendments are framed as an emergency measure to address implementation challenges.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyExempts projects from net zero energy compliance, weakening clean energy standards by reducing mandatory renewable energy requirements.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts projects from net zero energy requirements, weakening compliance with environmental standards and delaying full implementation of clean energy mandates.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Climate Change Conservation

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Feb 13, 2026

PR 26-0519: Net Zero Modification and Preservation Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2026

This resolution declares an emergency to modify District of Columbia building energy requirements. It would exempt certain residential and nonresidential projects from strict net zero energy compliance, adjust the definition of net-zero standards under the Clean Energy DC Building Code, and repeal a requirement for subsidized housing projects to meet additional net zero energy standards. These changes aim to provide budget certainty for the District's Executive in fiscal year 2027 and give affordable housing developers time to adjust to modified standards, addressing concerns about funding shortfalls for projects like the Congress Heights pool and Fort Davis Recreation Center. The resolution takes immediate effect without requiring a full legislative review process.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly aims to provide 'budget certainty for the District's Executive in fiscal year 2027' by exempting projects from net zero requirements, reducing potential costs and promoting fiscal responsibility.95% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill weakens net zero energy standards by exempting projects, adjusting definitions, and repealing requirements for subsidized housing, reducing compliance burden on developers.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts projects from net zero compliance and repeals additional standards, weakening environmental regulations governing building energy use.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRepeals net zero requirement for subsidized housing, reducing development costs and advancing affordable housing access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Climate Change Conservation Natural Disasters Affordable Housing Building Codes Tags Emergency Management

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 2, 2026

B 26-0596: Utility Rates and Ratemaking Amendment Act of 2026

This bill requires D.C. utilities to base multiyear rate plans on actual historical costs (not projected future costs) and prohibits mechanisms that let companies later raise rates to cover shortfalls. It mandates refunds for excess profits to customers and requires clear, quantifiable evidence of customer benefits for all rate changes. For major gas infrastructure projects (like pipe replacements), utilities must prove cost-effective alternatives were considered before approving surcharges. These changes aim to prevent further bill increases for D.C. residents and businesses, who have seen average annual costs rise by nearly $600 despite existing protections.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProtects utility consumers via actual cost-based rates, refunds for excess profits, and customer benefit evidence for rate changes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

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in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Dec 2, 2025

PR 26-0430: Sensible Pool Building Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This resolution seeks an emergency exemption from the District's Green Building Act of 2006 for the Congress Heights Recreation Center in Ward 8, specifically to allow an indoor pool without meeting net zero energy standards. It directly affects the modernization project for this community recreation center, which has long been requested by residents. The exemption is proposed due to site constraints - heritage trees blocking geothermal well installation and insufficient space - making compliance with net zero standards impractical without significant delays. The resolution bypasses standard amendment procedures through an emergency declaration to expedite the pool's inclusion.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergySeeks exemption from net zero energy standards in Green Building Act, weakening compliance with clean energy requirements.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRequests exemption from net zero energy standards under Green Building Act, weakening environmental regulations for pool construction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Natural Disasters

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failed · District of Columbia · Legislature Dec 2, 2025

B 26-0520: Sensible Pool Building Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill exempts new District government-built natatoriums (public swimming pools) in Ward 8 from the net zero energy requirements of the Green Building Act, while requiring them to meet at least LEED Silver certification standards. It directly affects Ward 8 natatorium projects funded by the District government. The key change modifies the Green Building Act to remove the net zero energy mandate for these specific facilities and mandates a minimum LEED Silver level for construction. The bill is structured as an emergency amendment with a 90-day expiration period.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyExempts pools from net zero energy mandate (weakening standard) while requiring only LEED Silver, a lower bar than net zero.92% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill removes net zero energy requirement (stronger standard) for Ward 8 pools and replaces it with LEED Silver (weaker standard), directly weakening environmental protections under Green Building Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jan 2, 2026

B 26-0535: Energy Efficiency Financing Debt Cap Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill removes a $250 million debt cap on bonds the District of Columbia can issue for energy efficiency projects under the 2010 Energy Efficiency Financing Act. It directly affects the District government, allowing it to borrow more funds for qualifying energy efficiency improvements without the previous limit. The key provision amends Section 202(a) of the existing law by deleting the $250 million restriction. The bill is classified as an emergency measure, effective for 90 days after approval. It does not change the purpose of the financing program but expands the District's borrowing capacity for these projects.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRemoves $250M debt cap, enabling increased funding for energy efficiency projects under existing law, directly advancing energy efficiency goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRemoves debt cap to increase funding for energy efficiency projects, directly advancing environmental protection through expanded clean energy investment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

introduced · District of Columbia · Legislature Dec 2, 2025

B 26-0521: Sensible Pool Building Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

This bill temporarily exempts new District government-built natatoriums (indoor pools) in Ward 8 from the standard net zero energy requirements under the Green Building Act. Instead, it requires these facilities to meet at least LEED Silver certification standards. The exemption and new standard apply only to District projects in Ward 8 and expire 225 days after the bill takes effect. The bill modifies the Green Building Act of 2006 (D.C. Law 16-234) without changing overall energy standards for other District buildings.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyExempts Ward 8 pools from net zero energy standard, requiring only LEED Silver instead, weakening clean energy requirements.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill exempts Ward 8 government pools from net zero energy requirements (stronger standard) and substitutes lower LEED Silver standard, weakening environmental protections for these facilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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introduced · District of Columbia · Legislature Dec 16, 2025

PR 26-0479: Ward 8 Recreation Facility Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This emergency resolution exempts the indoor pool at the modernized Congress Heights Recreation Center and the indoor gym at the Douglass Community Center (both in Ward 8) from the District’s net zero energy requirements under the Green Building Act of 2006. It allows these facilities to proceed with community-requested features - indoor pools and gyms - without requiring costly geothermal systems that were deemed impractical due to site constraints like heritage trees and limited space. The resolution bypasses standard exemption review processes to avoid further delays in completing these projects.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyExempts facilities from net zero energy requirements under Green Building Act, weakening clean energy standards for specific projects.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts facilities from net zero energy requirements under Green Building Act, weakening environmental conservation standards by removing geothermal system mandates.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Natural Disasters Parks & Recreation

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introduced · District of Columbia · Legislature Dec 16, 2025

B 26-0537: Ward 8 Recreation Facility Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill exempts District-built recreation centers in Ward 8 with indoor pools or gyms from the standard net zero energy requirements under the Green Building Act of 2006. Instead, it requires that indoor pools at these Ward 8 recreation centers meet at least LEED Silver certification standards. The exemption applies specifically to facilities with indoor pools or gyms in Ward 8, not to other District buildings. As an emergency amendment, it takes effect immediately upon approval but expires after 90 days.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyExempts Ward 8 recreation centers from net zero energy requirements, lowering standards to LEED Silver instead of strengthening clean energy mandates.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts Ward 8 recreation centers from net zero energy requirements, replacing them with less stringent LEED Silver standards, weakening environmental protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Parks & Recreation

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