Tommy Wells is the director of the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE). Appointed January 2015, he is chiefly responsible for protecting the environment and conserving the natural resources of the District of Columbia. Tommy’s team is comprised of approximately 300 environmental professionals collectively working to improve the quality of life for residents and the natural inhabitants of the Nation’s Capital.
Topic of Discussion:
GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic Awarded Grant to Train 75 District Residents for Solar Careers and Install Solar Systems for up to 100 Low-Income Households in Year One
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, May 18, 2017
The Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) have partnered to develop Solar Works DC, a new low-income solar installation and job training program. To implement the first year of the program, DOEE and DOES have awarded $950,000 to GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic through a competitive grant process. With this funding, GRID will operate a year-round program to train District residents in solar installation. In addition to preparing residents to enter careers in solar and related industries, Solar Works DC will increase solar capacity in the District and reduce energy costs for qualified low-income District homeowners by installing solar systems on their homes.
What is Climate Change Adaptation?
Climate change adaptation means being prepared for a changing climate by taking action to reduce the potential impacts of climate change to people, buildings, and infrastructure like water systems, roads and electricity, and natural gas networks.
Mayor Muriel Bowser
FOREWORD:
Introduction Cities across the country and around the globe are recognizing their responsibility to prepare for a changing climate, and the District is no exception. In recent years, we have seen how climate change is already impacting us with record-breaking heat waves and snowstorms, flooding caused by rising sea levels and heavy rains, and the destructive 2012 derecho storm. These events are sobering reminders that without action, increasingly severe weather events will threaten to disrupt our power grid, harm our economy, and cost lives. Recognizing the need to prepare and adapt, the Sustainable DC Plan established a goal to make the District more resilient to future climate change. Climate Ready DC is the District’s strategy for achieving this goal while helping to ensure that our city continues to grow greener, healthier, and more livable. The District also remains committed to reducing our contribution to climate change by cutting our GHG emissions by 50% by 2032 and 80% by 2050