How has Obama’s First 100 Days Greened DC?

It’s impossible to ignore the fact that today is President Obama’s 100th day in office. Every news outlet is dissecting Obama’s record over the past 3 months and even the President is going to mark the occassion with a speech tonight. The question for all of us earth loving Washingtonians is…how has Obama’s first 100 days affected DC’s environment?

• First, one of the most significant achievements over the past few months has been an investment in high-speed rail technology. The plan put forth by Obama would essentially place DC at the center of a high-speed rail corridor that stretches from northern Maine to Atlanta and the Gulf Coast. These trains reduce DC’s highway traffic congestion and airplane pollution, drastically cutting emission levels around our community.

• Second, the stimulus plan included a $4.5 billion investment in “smart” energy grid technology. The development of a smarter grid will make the U.S. more energy efficient and better prepared for renewable energy sources. Right here in the DC metro area, small businesses have already started benefiting from these funds. Current Group and Grid Point are two local companies working to develop technology that will aid the grid improvements. In a bad economy, the stimulus funding is allowing these businesses to innovate and increase employment.

• Finally, we benefit from the “greening” of federal buildings mandated in the stimulus plan.  DC is home to a huge concentration of federal buildings, many of which were built decades ago, before energy efficiency was a major concern. Retrofitting these places will create green jobs for thousands of people in our area and will reduce the demand for coal energy that pollutes the air and contributes to climate change.

It’s safe to say that President Obama’s first 100 days have been good for DC’s environment.

Photo credit: Flickr CC user jurvetson