August 2024
Sustainable DC is proud to announce that our latest progress report is now available on the Sustainable DC website! The 2024 Sustainable DC Progress Report highlights the milestones we reached and the progress we made in 2023 as the District works towards being the healthiest, greenest, most livable city in the country. This progress report was made possible by the coordinated efforts and hard work of various District agencies and other partners guided by the Sustainable DC 2.0 plan, as well as the closely related plans Clean Energy DC and Climate Ready DC.
Key accomplishments in 2023 included:
- The Public Service Commission awarded $2.5 million to pilot a geothermal community heat pump at the Barry Farm Redevelopment in Ward 8 instead of fossil fuel-based space conditioning systems.
- The final segment of DC Water’s Anacostia River Tunnel System, the Northeast Boundary Tunnel, was installed and is designed to reduce combined sewage overflow volume into the Anacostia River by 98% in an average year.
- The Department of Public Works launched its Curbside Composting Pilot Program, which brought curbside food waste collection to approximately 9,000 single-family households in the District.
- The District began a two-year intensive restoration project on Kingman and Heritage Islands, which includes invasive removals, native plantings, and other improvements.
While these are major accomplishments worth celebrating, it is important to note that there is still much more work to be done to reach our sustainability goals in the District. If we remain committed to put in the needed work, our shared vision for a sustainable future will become a reality. We invite you to read through the progress report and learn more about what we have been up to and welcome any suggestions or comments on how you as District residents want to see sustainability efforts take shape within the city. For more information, please feel free to visit https://sustainable.dc.gov/progress or email us at sustainable@dc.gov to let us know your thoughts. Also, stay tuned for the release of Sustainable DC 3.0 later this year.
Anacostia Watershed Society Saturday Environmental Academy Fall Program
Calling all environmentally curious middle school students! The Anacostia Watershed Society's Saturday Environmental Academy is now accepting applications for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to join a FREE environmental education, outdoor fall program! The fall program will run on Saturdays from September 28 - November 2. This year's theme is "Celebrating 35 Years of Protecting the Anacostia River!" and will include a pontoon boat tour of the Anacostia River! For more details and to apply, click here.
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GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Request for Applications - Green Infrastructure Maintenance
The Department of Energy and Environment seeks eligible entities to (1) primarily, provide excellent routine maintenance for 400 Green Infrastructure projects installed by District agencies and (2) secondarily, create Green Infrastructure maintenance sustainable employment opportunities for local District residents, including Returning Citizens, and foster stewardship and maintenance support opportunities for communities. The grantee will maintain approximately 400 installations per year. The amount available for the project is approximately $800,000 per year. The deadline for applications is September 12 by 11:59 p.m. For more information and to view a copy of the Request for Applications, please visit https://doee.dc.gov/node/1738471.
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Chesapeake Gateways Grants
The National Park Service is pleased to announce that the grant application cycle for the third round of Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Network grants is now open. This grant offers funding for projects within the Chesapeake Bay region under the categories of 1) Linking Tourism and Economic Development Grants and 2) Event Support Grants. Projects should have a strong connection to the Chesapeake Bay region.
For more information and to apply visit https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/grants.htm. Applications are due on October 21 at 11:59 p.m.
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JOBS
Department of Energy and Environment – Environmental Protection Specialist
This position is in the Municipal Stormwater Branch of the Inspection and Enforcement Division, Natural Resources Administration, Department of Energy and Environment. The Municipal Stormwater Branch is responsible for protecting water quality by inspecting facilities and infrastructure that may discharge pollution to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). This position will serve as a lead inspector for all programs within the Branch and shall assist the Branch Chief to develop, implement, and evaluate procedures for the inspection, compliance, and enforcement activities for the MS4 and Best Management Practices maintenance programs. The incumbent will oversee and assist in drainage and inland flooding investigations. Other duties include assistance with the oversight of the day-to-day operations of regulatory compliance programs including prioritizing and assigning work, planning and leading investigations, and reviewing the work of other inspectors. For more information and to apply, visit careers.dc.gov and enter job ID 27268. Applications are due September 5.
Public Participation
Notice of Request for Information - District of Columbia Electric Vehicle Charging Challenges
The Department of Energy and Environment is seeking responses to this Request for Information to further inform future plans for electrifying the entire District Government fleet. The Department of Energy and Environment understands that there are significant barriers to expanding fleet electrification without first addressing issues like electricity demand constraints, charging costs, and ensuring a resilient grid in the face of climate change. Potential Respondents to the Request for Information may include but are not limited to electric vehicle supply equipment manufacturers, installers, and maintenance providers; Fleet software management developers; Property owners; electric vehicle manufacturers; nonprofit organizations; and any other private entities.
For more information, please visit https://doee.dc.gov/node/1731676 or send any questions to this email.
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Apply Today to Join the District Waterways Advisory Commission
Are you passionate about the future of the District’s waterways? The Department of Energy and Environment is thrilled to announce that its new Office of District Waterways Management (ODWM) is seeking visionary leaders to join the District Waterways Advisory Commission. This pivotal commission will spearhead the development of a strategic vision for the District’s waterways and surrounding lands. With a diverse team of 14 voting members—7 appointed by the Mayor and 7 by the D.C. Council—the Commission aims to encompass a wide range of professional and personal perspectives. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to shape the future of our waterways. Apply today or share this opportunity with someone who you believe would make a great addition to the Commission! Applications are due by September 30. Learn more about the ODWM and this opportunity, including the application links, at https://doee.dc.gov/service/odwm.
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The Department of Energy and Environment’s Racial Equity Action Plan Open for Public Comment
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is currently seeking public feedback on its Racial Equity Action Plan. This plan provides a roadmap on how to intentionally integrate equity across the Agency and its different programs so that previously marginalized District residents can benefit from DOEE’s work as much as anyone else. To submit your comments, please use the Konveio platform to comment directly on the document here. The window for comments will close on September 30 at 11:59 p.m.
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EVENTS
Oxon Run Day and the Department of Energy and Environment Resource Fair
Join the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and Friends of Oxon Run for the Oxon Run Day and DOEE Resource Fair on Saturday, August 24 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is your chance to dive into sustainability with hands-on activities, educational resources, and expert advice on the environmental issues that matter most to our community all while in the heart of picturesque Oxon Run Park. There will also be FREE pony rides, raffle giveaways, and a special performance from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Go-Go Band! Whether you're looking to learn, share, or have fun, this event has something for everyone. For live updates, be sure to follow the @oxonrunday Instagram page!
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Rise Above Series: Preparing for the Storm for National Preparedness Month Workshop Series
Nature Forward, in partnership with the Ward 7 Resilience Hub Community Coalition (RHCC), The Green Scheme, Washington Interfaith Network, and the Department of Energy and Environment, invites you to join their virtual Rise Above Series: Preparing for the Storm for National Preparedness Month Workshop Series on Tuesday, September 3 at 6:30 p.m. about flood resilience. Learn where and how flooding affects your community, how to understand your flood risk through Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Maps, and hear from experts on how to prepare you and your community in the event of a flood. For more information and to sign up, visit this registration site or email Jamoni Overby (jamoni.overby@natureforward.org).
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Friends Of Anacostia Park’s August Late Skate
Come get your skate on! Join Friends of Anacostia Park, the National Park Service, environmental organizations, and community partners on August 31 at the Anacostia Skating Park Pavilion (1500 Anacostia Drive SE) from noon to 10 p.m. for a day of music, recreation, and kinship in DC's most storied skating venue. For more information, please visit Friends of Anacostia Park’s website.
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Governing for Racial Justice at Facing Race Conference
Race Forward and the Government Alliance for Race and Equity will be hosting their biennial conference, Facing Race, from November 20-22 in St. Louis, Missouri. Facing Race is the nation’s largest multiracial, intergenerational racial justice conference. Governing for Racial Justice will take place as part of the conference, serving as the GARE Membership Meeting. District government personnel should use code GMM24 to register for this meeting. For more information, and to register please visit this site. Those interested in becoming GARE members can learn how to do so here.
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eCYCLE Collection Events for Recycling Covered Electronics
By recycling used electronics, individuals can help recover valuable resources and properly manage potentially hazardous materials. eCYCLE DC, through manufacturers’ collection and recycling plans, is bringing District residents more options for recycling their electronics.
The following items are banned from the trash and are collected at the eCYCLE DC collection events: computers and monitors, tablets, e-readers, mice, keyboards, DVD or VCR players, printers, televisions, game consoles, and portable music players. For more information, check out this fact sheet. See below for upcoming eCYCLE DC events around the District.
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Saturday, September 7, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Collection vehicle on corner of N St SW & First St SW (Ward 6, near King Greenleaf Recreation Center)
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Saturday, September 14, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Collection vehicle on Frederick Douglass Court SE, north of Bruce Pl SE (Ward 8, near Douglass Community Center)
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Saturday, September 21, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Collection vehicle on corner of Van Buren St NW & 4th St NW (Ward 4, near Takoma Community Center)
Please visit the eCYCLE DC website to check for any updates closer to the event date.
Get Out There: Where to get in the water and cool off around the D.C. region: This article from WAMU 88.5 offers suggestions for water-based activities in the DC area that can offer some much-needed respite from the sweltering heat we’ve recently been having.
D.C. heat island effect among worst in U.S: This Axios article provides an overview of the urban heat island effect and its impact on residents, and then presents strategies that are being implemented to address this growing issue
D.C. agencies work together to create a splash park for bees: This video from WUSA 9 highlights local efforts at the Edgewood Recreation Center’s splash park to support bee populations by building a splash pad specially made for them to ensure these valuable pollinators stay hydrated during the summer heat, while also making sure visitors aren’t stung. |
