What’s in a Name? ‘Energy’ Now Comes Before ‘Environment’

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced last week the District’s purchase of the total output of the 46-megawatt Iberdrola Renewables wind farm located in southwestern Pennsylvania, along with a name change: the Department of Environment is now the Department of Energy and Environment.

“This is about more than just a name change; our energy needs and our environmental concerns go hand in hand. That’s why I’ve tasked Tommy Wells [director of DOEE] and his team with rethinking how we bring more green, affordable energy to all eight wards,” the mayor said.

The wind farm initiative is expected to save the District $45 million over the next 20 years, as it provides 35 percent of the energy needed to power the city’s government buildings. Speaking at the announcement, Wells underscored the significance of the name change from a policy perspective, including plans to expand solar power and improve D.C.’s energy efficiency.