Washington DC Confirms 100% RE Goal

• Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has signed her approval for the capital's 100% renewable energy generation by 2032
• It is now officially mandated to make efforts to improve energy efficiency of existing buildings, put in place emission free public transport and privately-owned fleet vehicles, and have 10% of total electricity coming from local solar power resources by 2041
• The act also calls for funding the DC Green Bank to attract private investment in clean energy projects

Washington DC has officially adopted a 100% renewable energy scenario by 2032 with the signature of Mayor Muriel Bowser on January 18, 2019. The US capital's City Council had unanimously approved the bill in December 2018  (see Washington DC Aims For 100% RE By 2032).

With the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018 in place, Washington DC will follow its 100% RE roadmap with 57 action items listed. Some of the key features of this act include doubling the required amount of solar energy deployed in the district calling for  10% electricity coming from local solar power generation by 2041, improving energy efficiency of existing buildings, emission free public transport and privately-owned fleet vehicles by the year 2045 as well as funding the DC Green Bank to attract private investment in clean energy projects.

The administration expects a boost in clean energy investment in the District with the mandated increases in funding mechanisms, such as the Renewable Energy Trust Fund (RETF) and Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP).

"Make no mistake about it, this is by far the most aggressive and impactful clean energy goal passed by any state to-date" said Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Director Tommy Wells. Adding, "As great as the commitments are from states leading the fight against climate change, our goal as the nation's capital is to reach 100% renewable electricity despite Federal inaction in our own backyard."

Washington DC is now officially the region with the most aggressive 100% renewables target. It aims to reach that level already by 2032, while its counterparts Hawaii and California target 2045 to reach that level (see California Confirms 100% Clean Energy Target). New York is another state that's pushing for official approval for 100% carbon-free electricity for the state by 2040 (see New York Calls For 6 GW Distributed Solar By 2040).

Beyond states, districts and territories, there are US cities and counties that also aim to go 100% renewable in their energy mix – and some are even ahead of Washington DC. Sierra Club lists all of them on its website.