Environment (Conservation)

The Net Zero Continuity Emergency Amendment Act of 2026 amends Washington, D.C.'s Green Building Act to temporarily exempt certain projects from strict net-zero energy requirements. This legislation specifically allows temporary buildings, small additions under 10,000 square feet, and critical facilities like police and fire stations to bypass energy standards until new regulations are finalized. It also clarifies definitions for specific structures, such as natatoriums and aquatic centers, and provides a grace period for projects with permits submitted before October 1, 2024. These changes aim to provide flexibility for ongoing construction while the city finalizes updated energy conservation rules.

This ceremonial resolution honors Liz Crafford for her volunteer leadership and advocacy in protecting the District of Columbia's natural environment. The bill recognizes her work leading the Shepherd Park Weed Warriors, a community group that removes invasive plants and restores native vegetation, as well as her role in drafting legislation to establish an Office of Natural Area Conservation. It also acknowledges her advocacy for improved park maintenance and solid waste collection oversight. The resolution formally cites the measure as the "Liz Crafford Recognition Resolution of 2026" and takes effect immediately.

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.

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.

The Tree Preservation Enhancement Amendment Act of 2025 updates Washington, D.C.'s tree protection rules by lowering the size threshold for protected trees and adjusting fees. It reduces the minimum trunk size for a "Special Tree" from 44 inches to 25 inches, expanding the number of trees requiring removal permits. The bill increases fees for removing Special Trees (to $55-$100 per inch of trunk size) and introduces new fees for Heritage Trees ($350 per inch or $250 per inch plus a conservation easement). Additionally, it limits the Tree Fund's use for public property plantings to 25% of the fund's average annual receipts.