Extinction Rebellion Responds to Washington Gas’ Appearance in the DCPSC’s Diversity Hearing

The only way Washington Gas can meet DEI commitments is by ending their use of methane gas

Washington, DC – Today, Washington Gas is set to testify before the DC Public Service Commission (DCPSC) for the 2023 DCPSC supplier diversity hearing. According to the DCPSC, the “Advisory Council on Utility Supplier and Workforce Diversity was established in 2019 to identify best practices for diversity, equity and inclusion in contracting and employment related to the public utility sector.”

Jade Olson, Press Spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion DC, released the following statement:

“In the face of a world with gaping and growing inequities, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work is absolutely essential in all organizations, from workplaces to community organizations to government agencies. This work requires more than just the appearance of a diverse workplace; it requires a deep and unflinching investigation into the structures, policies, and practices that cause and reproduce inequities. It’s hard to believe the DCPSC’s DEI requirements force Washington Gas to do true DEI work – especially when the very foundation of Washington Gas’ business model deepens inequities every single day under the eye of the DCPSC.”

“If Washington Gas was truly committed to DEI, they would stop selling methane gas. We are already seeing Washington Gas’ $4.5 billion Project Pipes drive an affordability crisis in DC, and while the wealthy electrify their homes, DC’s low-income communities and communities of color face increasingly high energy burdens. Additionally, Washington Gas’ methane pumped throughout the city drives the District’s poor air quality and damages our community’s health. Low-income communities and communities of color bear the brunt of these impacts, with home gas combustion and commercial cooking driving these disparities. Children in homes with a gas stove are at a 42% higher risk of developing asthma, and 70% of DC children with asthma are Black. Nationally, Black children are nearly three times more likely to have asthma than white children, likely linked to the higher use of gas appliances and the often worse housing conditions that Black communities face.”

“The facts speak for themselves. Methane gas is driving serious inequities that cannot be resolved by Washington Gas simply hiring a more diverse workforce. They must stop using methane altogether, and the DCPSC must step in and stop Project Pipes. And this is just a first step. True equity requires dismantling the oppressive systems in which Washington Gas is a part. For the DCPSC and the DC Council, this means ensuring transit, housing, and food justice in addition to energy justice so all of us can thrive.”

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