Extinction Rebellion Rejects WGL’s Latest Attempt to Lock DC into Fossil Fuels

Rebels demand the Public Service Commission reject Washington Gas’ rebranded methane gas pipeline replacement plan

Washington, DC – This morning, Extinction Rebellion DC (XRDC) gathered at the DC Public Service Commission (PSC) office to demand the Commission reject Washington Gas’ latest effort to use hundreds of millions of gas customer dollars on its disastrous methane gas pipeline replacement project.

Washington Gas’ new plan, which rebrands the corporate utility provider’s wasteful Project Pipes program as “District SAFE”, would cost gas customers $215 million over the next three years, or about $477 per year for each customer. Despite instructions from the PSC to restructure the Project Pipes program – such as by narrowly focusing on the worst pipes, considering repairs over replacement, and incorporating realities of District electrification efforts – Washington Gas’ new plan fails to adequately address these concerns and instead proposes more of the same wasteful, ineffective processes.

Rebels stood on the sidewalk outside the PSC office with signs strewed across the pavement around almost two dozen pairs of lungs. The lungs symbolize the serious health impacts that can result from burning methane gas inside homes. Methane gas pollutes the air inside homes with toxins like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzene, which can lead to serious health conditions like asthma, leukemia, and birth defects. The signs among the lungs read “METHANE = CLIMATE CHAOS,” “METHANE = ASTHMA,” “METHANE = TOXIC,” “METHANE = CANCER,” and “PROJECT PIPES = DISTRICT (un)SAFE.” A banner behind read “METHANE KILLS." Smoke flares went off, shrouding the scene in black and bright green smoke, a visual representation of the pollution entering DC from methane gas.

“XRDC was at the PSC today to remind Commissioners and staff that there is nothing safe about methane gas, no matter how Washington Gas tries to brand it. Methane gas pollutes the air we breathe, harms our health, and fuels the climate crisis that endangers our loved ones. The only thing made ‘safe’ by Washington Gas’ plan is corporate profits,” said Claire Hacker (she/her), press spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion DC. “Instead of throwing money at Washington Gas’ polluting methane gas pipelines, the PSC must begin immediate proactive planning for the renewable energy future that enables residents across the District to live in healthier, more affordable homes, especially low-income communities and communities of color.”

“District SAFE” is a continuation of Washington Gas’ Project Pipes program, a 40-year, $12 billion plan to replace all the methane gas pipelines in DC. The program began in 2014, yet explosive gas leaks increased 40% between 2014 and 2022.

Regardless of billions in spending, Washington Gas has failed to reduce the dangers posed by its aging pipelines. It is time for the PSC to reject further investment into fossil fuels and jumpstart holistic, District-wide energy planning to ensure residents can breathe clean air and live in safe, healthy communities, regardless of zip code.

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