Environment

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.

This resolution declares an emergency to remove a $250 million debt cap on bonds issued under the Energy Efficiency Financing Act of 2010. It directly affects the District of Columbia's C-PACE program, which finances energy efficiency upgrades for buildings through property tax assessments. The resolution enables the DC Green Finance Authority to issue larger bonds - like a planned $470 million for The Geneva building conversion - without the existing cap, addressing current capacity constraints ($184 million used out of $250 million). It does not create new policy but removes a statutory barrier to meet market demand for energy efficiency projects.

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.

This resolution amends housing and building codes to adjust net zero energy standards for large residential and mixed-use projects receiving funding from the District's Housing Production Trust Fund. It removes requirements that previously applied through building permits, instead directing these standards to be enforced via the funding solicitation and award process. This change primarily affects developers and housing providers seeking District funding for new construction or major renovations, aiming to prevent delays in housing projects. The resolution also streamlines processes for the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) to implement energy improvements without extending project timelines. It takes immediate effect as an emergency measure.

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.