In a complete mask-off moment, the utility corporation regurgitated talking points from Congressional allies of the fossil fuel industry against energy efficiency standards and requested a bailout for its failing pipeline replacement program.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Washington Gas is escalating its lobby campaign against energy efficiency standards that save residents money, this time testifying at today’s House Subcommittee on Energy hearing. Today’s testimony is the latest attempt by the for-profit gas utility company to undermine programs to help D.C. residents lower their bills by adopting efficient electric equipment, and comes amid ongoing criticism of Washington Gas’s track record on safety and affordability of its methane gas pipeline spending program. 

This aggressive push mirrors broader federal attacks against D.C.’s autonomy. From legislative proposals that seek to weaken Home Rule to the recent federal takeover of the District’s police, these ongoing challenges threaten the District’s ability to protect its residents. 

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund released the following statement in reaction to today’s hearing: 

“This is a blatant attempt to undercut programs that help families switch to modern electric equipment and lower their bills,” said Claire Mills. DC Campaigns Manager at the CCAN Action Fund. “For years, Washington Gas has fought tooth and nail to keep D.C. residents hooked on polluting, inefficient, and expensive methane gas infrastructure that raises our bills while boosting profits for its shareholders. It’s outrageous that Washington Gas is now taking its lobbying efforts to Congress to openly support GOP legislation that would undermine energy efficiency standards. By asking the federal government to pay for its over budget, unsafe pipeline replacement program, Washington Gas is entirely sidestepping the D.C. Public Service Commission, the D.C. Council, and District residents to get its costly corporate fossil fuel agenda passed. We need action from the PSC and the D.C. Council to hold Washington Gas accountable.” 

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund is dedicated to driving change in public policies at the local, state, and national levels to address the climate crisis. Through voter education, lobbying, and participation in the electoral process, we seek to advance our country’s leadership in the global movement toward clean energy solutions — focusing our efforts primarily in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. We know that a vibrant democracy is central to our success so we work to defend democratic integrity wherever we can.