DC to Receive $2.5 Million for Plans to Curb Climate Change

Washington, D.C. has been declared a winner in the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge for its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Along with Boston, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, D.C. is among 20 cities that will receive a financial support of up to $2.5 million.

Supported by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a total of $70 million financial aid is granted to help cities in countering climate change.

The financial package is expected to boost the efforts of the winning cities to further strengthen their initiatives like bicycle infrastructure, solar energy and better energy requirements in large buildings.

Earlier, six other cities were awarded, and more winning cities will be announced this fall.

The award recognizes D.C. administration’s “innovative and ambitious climate action plans to reduce air pollution and District-wide emissions,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

According to the official press release, the award money will be used by the D.C. administration to implement its Clean Energy DC plan.

The Bloomberg Philanthropies will be working with D.C. administration to “develop and launch a building energy performance standard for large buildings, to support the city’s goal of net-zero carbon buildings by 2050,” according to the press release. DC Green Bank, which was established in July, will also be launched to “incentivize energy efficiency and renewable energy and accelerate building performance improvements.”

By 2020, D.C. residents and commuters will also be encouraged to use “alternative transportation by improving service, adding new mobility options and expanding cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.”