Mayor Bowser’s proposed budget would decimate programs that everyday DC residents rely on, undermining public transit, prioritizing billionaire pet projects over removing lead from our homes, and gutting funding that helps residents upgrade to healthier, more efficient equipment 

WASHINGTON, DC — Dozens of advocates, representing a coalition of climate, environmental, and health organizations, urged the DC Council today to reject Mayor Muriel Bowser’s proposed cuts to the District’s local climate and environmental programs this budget season. As Bowser backs billionaire pet projects to the tune of $972 million for RFK Stadium and $343 million for Capital One Arena, advocates are urging the Council to champion a budget that prioritizes everyday DC residents over billionaires.

Find a recording of today’s press conference here: https://www.facebook.com/GoNatureForward/videos/1092157439441822

Bowser’s proposed budget would decimate programs everyday DC residents rely on. Her proposal raids $70 million from the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund, an essential resource that helps low- and moderate-income DC residents upgrade to efficient, electric appliances that stabilize energy bills. Bowser’s proposal also delays implementation of stronger building standards, forcing DC residents to subsidize less efficient and more polluting buildings that rely on expensive fossil fuels. As the climate crisis rages, these programs are essential to achieving DC’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2045 and slash climate pollution from buildings, which contribute to 70% of the District’s greenhouse gases.

Bowser’s budget would undermine public transit by ending DC’s parking cash-out program, directly taking money from residents who choose to take transit to work. It issues up to $356 million to pay for parking spaces for DC’s new stadium, while cutting Bus Priority spending over the next two years by about $15 million. While choosing to subsidize new parking lots, Bowser is also targeting dedicated funding that keeps our rivers, streams, and green spaces clean and welcoming. Her proposal also neglects to fund investments to replace lead pipes that poison residents and children, a growing need as the Trump Administration cuts federal funding.

A coalition of climate, environmental, and health advocates released the following statements:

Jamoni Overby, DC Conservation Advocate, Nature Forward:

“This Green Day of Action is for the people. The Mayor’s proposed cuts not only set back our efforts to make the District climate resilient and more sustainable but prioritize projected profit over the people. Environmental justice and focused, sustainable investments are the future for improved health and economic growth of DC. Let’s move forward in the right direction for DC.”

David Whitehead, Chapter Director, District of Columbia Chapter of the Sierra Club:

“The Mayor is presenting a trickle-down budget, investing in billionaires and a ‘growth agenda’ that cuts programs that support Black families, green jobs, lower utility bills, and cleaner air and water for all Washingtonians. Budgets are moral documents. This one tells low-income residents to wait their turn. But climate change, extreme heat, and rising bills won’t wait.”

Trey Sherard, Riverkeeper and Advocacy Director, Anacostia Riverkeeper

“The proposed budget breaks promises made by the District. The five-cent bag fee paid by District residents includes a promise that that money will clean up the Anacostia River and reintroduce District residents to their river, especially District youth. Anacostia Riverkeeper hopes that the Council will once again restore the public’s faith in the bag fee and the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund.”

Claire Mills, DC Campaigns Manager, Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund:

“Today, D.C. residents at the Wilson Building made it clear: Now is the time for the District to be a leader in addressing the connected utility affordability and climate crises that are literally turning up the heat on D.C. residents, not to walk back our promises. Washingtonians today deserve healthy, affordable homes, and Washingtonians tomorrow deserve a liveable future. The D.C. Council must restore funding to energy efficiency programs and reject Mayor Bowser’s attempt to roll back the District’s climate commitments.”

Andrew Schichtel, Executive Director, Casey Trees:

“DC’s proactive and consistent investment in trees, rivers, cleaner air and water, and sustainability is what makes DC an exceptional place to live, do business, and visit. Yet, the proposed budget threatens to make dramatic cuts to the very programs that protect our environment and support public health, particularly in our most vulnerable communities. Without action now, we risk leaving future generations with a less healthy, less resilient city.”

Chris Weiss, Executive Director, DC Environmental Network:

“We cannot continue, each budget cycle, to allow the Mayor to cynically undermine decades of climate work. DC residents, advocates, and organizations have successfully fought for investments to grow our economy and create green jobs by working to clean our rivers and air, to fight the climate crisis, and to create the green infrastructure to make our city special. Mayor Bowser is slowly dismantling two decades of efforts with her proposed cuts that have steadily increased over the last 3-5 years. We need to stop this once and for all!”