TAKE ACTION FOR CLEAN RIVERS: Support Anacostia Waterfront Development Zone Standards!

by Chris Weiss, Executive Director, DC Environmental Network

In 2008 the DC Environmental Network worked with housing, jobs and environmental activists to codify special environmental standards designed to protect the Anacostia River from the impacts of new developments along its banks. Environmental design, green building, marina, site planning and preservation and stormwater control standards were all part of a comprehensive plan to create what could be some of the greenest developments in the country.

The same year, 2008, the DC Council and Mayor Adrian Fenty passed these same standards that would bring many benefits to District residents including cleaner water & air, cooler summer temperatures, increased energy efficiency, livable neighborhoods, economic revitalization and other climate change mitigations.

Now, in 2011, three years later, these standards have still not been fully implemented. Just last week 20 environmental organizations sent a letter to DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown asking him to finish the job. We specifically asked Chairman Brown to legislate immediate implementation of stormwater controls necessary for keeping toxics and other pollutants out of the Anacostia River. Much more needs to be done…and we need your help!

Take Action for Clean Rivers!

- Sign-On to our organizational letter!  We will be sending the Council and Mayor an update of new organizational supporters in two weeks.

- Read Coalition Letter and Standards Description to Learn More About the Anacostia Waterfront Development Zone standards!