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District of ColumbiaB26-0585Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Net Zero Modification and Preservation Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Janeese Lewis George (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Stronger clean energy rules for buildings

Buildings must generate renewable energy on‑site wherever feasible and use the amount required by the latest Appendix Z. On‑site fossil‑fuel combustion for thermal energy is banned, except for backup power generation. The law also removes a special exception that previously let essential public‑safety buildings use fossil fuels for backup beyond that general allowance.

New Level 3 trigger for projects

The law replaces the trigger "substantial improvement" with "Level 3 alteration" to decide when green and clean‑energy rules apply. It also updates and aligns key definitions with the Building Codes, including aquatic center, natatorium, temporary building, existing building, and gross floor area. These changes shift which renovations and additions must meet the rules.

Some projects get net-zero exemptions

The law exempts certain nonresidential projects from net‑zero energy rules. Exempt: temporary buildings and additions under 10,000 sq. ft. Police, fire, emergency response, and Office of Unified Communications facilities are exempt until the Mayor issues final rules. Natatoriums in aquatics centers are also exempt until those final rules. Projects with all permits to begin construction filed before October 1, 2024, and not submitted to the Green Building Advisory Council before February 3, 2026, are exempt. Even when exempt, projects must follow the on‑site fuel‑combustion limits in the Clean Energy DC Building Act.

Agency name updated to Buildings Department

The law replaces references to DCRA with the Department of Buildings (DOB). This updates where compliance filings and enforcement come from. It does not change who gets benefits or pays fees.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Janeese Lewis George

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 42 • No: 9

House vote • 2/3/2026

Other

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 2/3/2026

Other

Yes: 11 • No: 1 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/3/2026

Other

Yes: 5 • No: 8

House vote • 2/3/2026

Final Reading

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Act A26-0275 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 003779, Expires on Jun 04, 2026

    3/13/2026House

  2. Returned from Mayor

    3/9/2026House

  3. Signed by the Mayor and Enacted with Act Number A26-0275, Expires on Jun 04, 2026

    3/6/2026House

  4. Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Mar 10, 2026

    2/24/2026House

  5. Legislative Meeting

    2/3/2026House

  6. Retained by the Council

    2/3/2026House

  7. B26-0585 Introduced by Councilmember Lewis George at Office of the Secretary

    2/2/2026House

Bill Text

  • Amendment

    2/3/2026

    PDFPDF

  • Enrollment

    2/3/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/2/2026

    PDF

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