Take Climate Action For D.C.’s Bald Eagles

Earlier this year, Washington, D.C.’s beloved bald eagle couple, Mr. President and First Lady, gave birth to a pair of new hatchlings. Bald eagles have demonstrated a tremendous success in rebounding from near extinction due to an outpouring of public concern and support and the passage of the landmark Endangered Species Act. In 1973, they were listed as an endangered species, largely due to the widespread use of the toxic pesticide, DDT. The bald eagle has grown from a population of under 500 nesting pairs in 1973 to almost 10,000 pairs in 2018.

After all they have been through, climate change now poses a whole new threat to our country’s national bird. Bald eagles are highly attuned to their environment—changes in air temperature, wind velocity, and precipitation greatly affect bald eagles’ behavior and nesting patterns. The Audobon Society estimates that a changing climate will lead to a significant decline in eagle habitat, down 74% by 2080.

Fortunately for bald eagles, Washington, D.C. is taking action to address climate change. The D.C. Council has introduced the CleanEnergy D.C. Act, a bill that would establish landmark climate policy.

Please urge D.C. Council members to support and vote in favor of this landmark climate bill.

Most notable in the CleanEnergy D.C. Act is a commitment to expanding the District’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, the regulatory mandate to increase production of energy from renewable sources, to 100% renewable electricity by 2032. Other key elements of the bill include:

• Building efficiency: Will set higher energy efficiency standards for the District’s buildings with the most emissions.
• Green finance: Sets aside funds for the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund and the Green Bank to finance renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation projects. This will help District residents, particularly low-income residents, save energy and save money at the same time.
• Electric Vehicles: Restructures the vehicle excise tax to be lower for fuel-efficient cars and higher for gas guzzlers.

D.C. must take action on climate change to help Mr. President, First Lady, and their hatchings, along with many other species of wildlife. The D.C. Council’s leadership on the CleanEnergy D.C. Act will not only reduce our own carbon pollution, but can inspire and build momentum for action across the country.

However, without strong public support, the Act might be blocked or watered down. Join us in calling for D.C. Council members to support and vote in favor of this meaningful climate bill.

Attend the Public Hearing

You can show up for wildlife, too! Join other wildlife champions at the D.C. Council hearing on October 9th, 11:00am at John A. Wilson Building (more details here). RSVP today!