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Playing a Role in the District’s Sustainability Legislation
As the years passed, the importance of sustainability became plainer. D.C. made sustainability a top priority, as reflected in significant legislative initiatives and government actions, and OPC has been a frequent partner in shaping this legislation and keeping the consumers’ needs front and center.
One such government action was the passage of the Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008,34 which established the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund and the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU), the central resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs and services for District residents and businesses. Because OPC is a statutory member of the DCSEU Advisory Board, it was involved in drafting the initial contract terms and Articles of Incorporation. The People’s Counsel is, by law, mandated to serve on the board and continues to play an active role in shaping its structure, operations, and ongoing activities. The Office was also actively involved in the development of the Sustainable D.C. Act of 2012 and the Sustainable D.C. Omnibus Amendment Act of 2014, both of which advance sustainability goals and initiatives in the District.
36 OPC’s Journey to Protect Utility Consumers