DC committee hears debate on bill to study and expand solar canopies across the district

The Committee on Transportation and the Environment held a public hearing March 31 on the Solar Shade Expansion Amendment Act of 2025, which would require the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to identify suitable locations across the District for solar canopy installation and would direct the inclusion of canopy funding in future capital planning.

The bill, as introduced, would require DOEE to publish a feasibility study identifying 20 sites — including playgrounds, parks, sidewalks, bike lanes, roads and other public spaces — and would authorize grants to install solar canopies at five recommended pilot sites. The legislation would also require that the District’s capital improvement plan (CIP) include funding to install solar canopies at those locations and that new capital projects include canopy funding where feasible.

Supporters and agency witnesses said they embrace the bill’s goals but warned about costs, overlap with existing agency programs, and the need to coordinate with capital planning. “DGS fully supports carbon neutrality, including solar generation and energy efficiency across the district government portfolio,” said Jen Croft, associate director for the sustainability and energy division at the Department of General Services (DGS).…