District of Columbia Challenges Feds on Climate Action

The District of Columbia is challenging the federal government on climate action, with lawmakers proposing to outlaw a local coal-burning power plant that powers Congress.

1 minute read

February 7, 2013, 7:00 AM PST

By boramici


A Washington, D.C. city council member has introduced a nonbinding climate resolution, echoing the concerns of 47 other U.S. cities and calling on the federal government to draw on the Clean Air Act to curb carbon emissions, reports Tim Craig. The resolution coincides with recently introduced legislation in the council to prohibit a Capitol Hill power plant, which heats and cools the U.S. Capitol, from burning coal.

According to Tommy Wells, the councilmember who represents the Capitol Hill district, the plant, which is located near several schools and has been connected to sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions, is the last remaining in D.C. that still burns coal.

Eva Malecki, a spokesperson for the Architect of the Capitol, stated that the power plant burns natural gas 92% of the time, but that coal use is reserved for emergency or unsually cold conditions. Although Democratic leaders in the House and Senate pledged to stop the Capitol Hill power plant from burning coal in 2009, their efforts met resistance from coal-producing state representatives.

The District's challenge to the federal government raises questions about the ability of local lawmakers to question federal authority over congressional facilities. The District suffers many loopholes in local law enforcement because of its unique symbiosis with the federal government.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today