Dear John,

DC should be a leader in the region and country for fighting climate change. While we have taken great steps to transition to renewable energy and clean up our air and water, our city’s working class neighborhoods continue to disproportionately experience the brunt of pollution. Communities of color are at greater risk from breathing harmful emissions from various sources as well as living in neighborhoods with elevated temperatures. As a result, these communities are more vulnerable to environmental health issues - such as asthma - and financial hardships from energy costs. That’s why I believe in approaching climate as a critical environmental justice issue. 

Since I joined the Council, I have worked on and spearheaded policy initiatives to fight climate change and create greater access to clean air and water for all District residents. Some of these policies include:

• Putting the District on a path to achieve 100% renewable energy supply by 2032, including with enhanced funding so that low-income families can access renewable energy/energy efficiency resources and local companies and workers are prepared for the jobs of a green economy;
• Establishing the framework to allow residents of all income levels, and those who live in apartment communities, to access community solar energy through Community Renewable Energy Facilities;
• Increasing enforcement on polluters that release harmful emissions into our air by establishing DC’s first ambient air quality and air pollution program, which allows residents to notify our environmental agency about polluters for inspections and to assess steep penalties; and 
• Authorizing the District to exercise eminent domain and shut down the privately-owned W Street Trash Transfer Station in the Brentwood neighborhood, which has plagued nearby communities with quality of life issues for decades.

As your next At-Large Councilmember, I will continue to make sure our city is taking bold steps to address climate change, pollution and environmental health inequities. I will help the District build a local inclusive clean energy economy that creates opportunities for DC residents and companies. And above all, I will continue to make sure polluters are held accountable. 

With your support and one of your two votes for At Large, we can create a better and more healthy environment for all who live, work, and play in the District of Columbia. 

In Service,

Kenyan

P.S. Can you volunteer a few hours for early voting or on Election Day? An undecided voter hearing from you on why you are supporting me for At Large will help us win on November 8.