ENROLLED ORIGINAL
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
October 5, 2021
To establish October 6, 2021 as the District of Columbia Energy Efficiency Day and to
commemorate the Reduce Energy Use DC initiative.
WHEREAS, the Council of the District of Columbia recognizes the first Wednesday in
October each year as the District of Columbia Energy Efficiency Day, the benefits of
conserving energy requires an annual day of recognition, annually, aligned with the advancement
of key actions that can be taken by residents to reduce energy usage, protect the environment and
reduce energy costs for all, equitably and inclusively;
WHEREAS, the Reduce Energy Use DC initiative complemented this day of recognition,
its ongoing implementation will be important in helping residents reduce their energy use and
save on their energy bills, during these most challenging times and into the future;
WHEREAS, when establishing the first annual Energy Efficiency Day in 2019, the
Council of the District of Columbia recognized a voluntary energy efficiency effort to be run
during peak demand summer months;
WHEREAS, the Reduce Energy Use DC initiative, founded by the District Department of
Energy and Environment, DC Sustainable Energy Utility, and Pepco, accomplished this
voluntary energy efficient effort again in July 2021;
WHEREAS, with the advisory organization Natural Resources Defense Council and
partnering organizations AARP, Advanced Energy Economy, Alliance to Save Energy,
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, American Lung Association in DC, DC
Building Industry Association, DC Chamber of Commerce, DC Green Bank, ENERGY STAR,
Federal City Council, The George Washington University School of Engineering and Applied
Science, Greater Washington Board of Trade, Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, Greater Washington Urban League, Groundswell, M.J. Bradley & Associates,
National Housing Trust, Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, Think Local First!,
The NEED Project, United Way of the National Capital Area and the Washington Interfaith
Network (WIN), collective efforts were taken to encourage residents to reduce their energy use
and protect the environment;
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 ENROLLED ORIGINAL
WHEREAS, 2,871 District residents took the Reduce Energy Use DC pledge to use
energy more efficiently in 2021, to reduce energy use in their homes, and save money while
helping fight climate change, making the total number of pledges, since its inception 5,374;
WHEREAS, Reduce Energy Use DC used July 2021 as period of focused action to save
energy;
WHEREAS, energy efficiency can be practiced by all year round and will directly
contribute to the District meeting its energy goals to address climate change;
WHEREAS, the Council of the District of Columbia recognizes that we must continue to
take steps to prepare for the impacts of climate change through actions to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and strategic resiliency planning;
WHEREAS, deep decarbonization incorporates multiple pathways with an emphasis on
increasing energy efficiency and conservation, reducing carbon content in electricity and fuels,
and transitioning to low and progressively zero carbon energy;
WHEREAS, greenhouse gas emissions are directly tied to the built environment and
transportation, bold actions must be taken to reduce energy consumption and transition to lower
or zero-emission transportation;
WHEREAS, the transition to zero carbon emitting sources goes beyond climate change,
by having a direct and significant impact on public health for all District residents;
WHEREAS, both new and existing buildings must become more energy efficient to
reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions they are contributing to the atmosphere,
partnership with the building industry will be key to achieving maximum results;
WHEREAS, the District of Columbia has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
50% below 2006 levels by 2032 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050;
WHEREAS, the District of Columbia has been recognized nationally for bold action with
the passage of the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018 (Omnibus Act);
WHEREAS, the District of Columbia has begun to make critical steps related to the
implementation of the Omnibus Act;
WHEREAS, energy efficiency is the cheapest, quickest, and cleanest way to meet our
energy needs and reduce utility bills for residential, business, and industrial customers;
WHEREAS, we must pursue the goal of reducing emissions and increasing energy
efficiency, this must be done expeditiously with a focus on affordability;
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WHEREAS, a nationwide network of energy efficiency groups and partners has
designated the first Wednesday in October as the national annual Energy Efficiency Day;
WHEREAS, the Council of the District of Columbia recognizes that we must all do our
part, we are pleased to join with others nationally on designating this important day; and
WHEREAS, individual efforts when combined can have a broad impact on society.
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the District of Columbia Energy Efficiency Day Recognition
Resolution of 2021.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes Energy Efficiency Day,
applauds the Reduce Energy Use DC initiative, and urges citizens to join us in supporting our
clean energy goals and moving toward more energy efficiency now and in the future.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
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