2023-24 Oversight Testimony: Department of Energy and Environment

Children’s Law Center Policy Attorney Makenna Osborn testified today at the Committee on Transportation and the Environment performance oversight hearing for the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE).

As the agency responsible for implementing and enforcing the District’s residential lead and mold laws, managing the District’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, and connecting low-income residents with energy efficiency and utility affordability resources, DOEE plays a critical role in protecting DC children from environmental hazards and promoting healthy housing throughout the District.

Our testimony discusses how DOEE helps protect the District’s children from lead and mold hazards in their homes and identify opportunities for DOEE and the Council to strengthen those protections over the next year. It also highlights the need for DOEE to be a full partner in the work of District’s reconstituted 211 Warmline so that low-income families can more easily access DOEE’s utility assistance programs.