Much of the news Loose Lips follows out of the Wilson Building adheres to a similar, depressing pattern: Big corporate interests tell D.C. officials to jump, and they respond: “How high?” So it’s worth pausing to examine one of the rare exceptions that proves the rule.
Namely, Washington Gas had a chance to neuter a big piece of climate legislation as the Council wrapped up its final legislative session of 2022. But for once, the utility company (long one of the most influential businesses in the District) didn’t get its way.
The bill in question was an effort from At-Large Councilmember Robert White aimed at forcing the D.C. government to immediately meet net-zero energy standards as it builds new facilities or manages extensive renovation projects (meaning buildings would have to…