Grosso Applauds Implementation of the Sustainable D.C. Act
Washington, D.C. - Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) issued the following statement regarding the signing of the Sustainable D.C. Omnibus Amendment Act of 2014 and the launch of the District Department of the Environment's (DDOE) Anacostia River Sediment Project:
"The Sustainable D.C. Omnibus Amendment Act of 2014 is a comprehensive legislative package that creates a pathway to a sustainable future for the District of Columbia. The legislation supports the District building a benchmarking program by making data on energy and water use more accessible; it creates an environmental literacy program, prohibits the sale or use of polystyrene containers for food service and increases the District's tree canopy by requiring payment to offset the destruction or removal of a tree. I worked closely with advocates and the Committee on Transportation and the Environment to craft an amendment to this legislation, which accelerates the implementation deadline requiring food service ware to be compostable or recyclable by 2017 instead of 2018. The amendment was accepted and will help to put the District one step closer to becoming the most sustainable city in the country. With this legislation we will greatly improve the health and wellness of our residents and protect our natural environment.
Today also marks the launch of DDOE's Anacostia River Sediment Project, which will enable us to identify the hazardous toxins in the river and work toward a plan for removal. Recognizing the urgent need to remediate the river, I worked closely with the Committee to establish a statutory deadline of June 30, 2018 for DDOE to adopt and publish a Record of Decision selecting the remedy for remediation. It is my goal to one day swim and fish in the Anacostia, and through their efforts, DDOE is continuing to work to ensure that this goal is achieved."