DC's aggressive clean energy bill gets initial hearing

Legislation proposed by five city council members would give Washington, DC one of the most aggressive clean energy targets in the country, requiring the District to use 100% renewable energy by 2032, reports The Washington Post. Under current goals, the city is on track to get 50% of its energy from renewable sources in that time. 

The bill, which will get an initial hearing on Thursday, would also give the mayor permission to enact regional agreements with Virginia and Maryland to cut greenhouse gas emissions and would update the city’s building codes to promote efficiency. 

The bill would raise electricity and natural gas fees for residents; sponsor Mary M. Cheh's office estimates rates would rise $2.10 per month on gas bills and less than $1 per month for electricity.

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By Jason Plautz, SmartCities Dive.