Celebrating Our Volunteers: Join the Conservation Volunteers 2022-23

In December 2021, ANS revamped its Conservation Research and Advocacy Volunteer Program to consistently engage members and volunteers in the work of our Conservation Department. Conservation advocates in DC, Maryland, and Virginia host bi-monthly meetings with volunteers paired with a training or workshop to enhance their skills and ability to… Continue reading

Did you hear DC is Keeping its Climate Commitments?

In January of this year, ANS alongside several other partnering organizations testified to urge DC council to pass the Climate Commitment Act of 2021 and Clean Energy DC Building Code Act. Both passed!   On Tuesday, July 12th, 2022, the Council voted 13-0 for the Climate Commitment Act (B24-0267) which strengthens… Continue reading

Write to the Public Service Commission to Support Electrification Investments in the District

TAKE ACTION: Tell DC to Electrify Everything Right Away! Read the Sierra Club’s Rewiring America DC Electrification Study to learn more.   The study shows electrification is technically and economically feasible in DC and will enhance protection of both consumers and the environment.  Electrification will help DC meaningfully reduce Greenhouse… Continue reading

Take Action: Make Sure DC Keeps its Climate Commitments!

In May of 2021, ANS along with our partners urged DC Council members to codify the District’s climate commitments into law and establish a review process to assess the District’s performance in meeting these commitments. Good news – the Council listened to us and is acting!  On January 25th, the… Continue reading

Conservation Summer Intern Recap: Megan Borgens Investigates Gas Leaks!

Hello! My name is Megan Borgens and I am a Conservation Policy and Advocacy Summer Intern with the Audubon Naturalist Society.  I am a senior at Indiana University–Bloomington studying Environmental Management.  This summer I have been working virtually in support of ANS’s involvement in the Beyond Gas DC campaign advocating… Continue reading

ANS comments in support of closing Rock Creek Park’s Upper Beach Drive to cars

Beginning in April 2020 with the onset of the covid-19 pandemic, the National Park Service extended the typical weekend-only car closures of portions of Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park to the weekdays as well. The closures provided DC and Montgomery County residents with a wonderful new, safe, urban oasis… Continue reading

Introducing: Ward 8 Water Watchers at Oxon Run!

Thanks to a Community Stormwater Solutions grant from the DC Department of Energy and Environment and the Chesapeake Bay Trust, last year ANS began a new partnership with food justice and community wellness experts, The Green Scheme and DC Greens. This partnership created the Ward 8 Water Watchers, a coalition… Continue reading

ANS testifies on FY22 DC Environment Budget

On June 25th, ANS submitted testimony on Washington, DC’s FY22 budget for the Department of Energy and Environment. Our testimony followed up on comments we made in the spring, during agency oversight hearings. We focused on the following key issues: Enact the Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) on time Provide… Continue reading

What’s that Smell? Probably a Gas Leak!

Throughout the U.S., gas leaks are gaining more recognition every day as a major public health and climate threat. Methane gas, sometimes called natural gas, goes on a long journey to get to our homes and buildings for heating and cooking. Unfortunately, it can, and does, leak at every phase… Continue reading