Section 10-A630. E-5.4 ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

 

630.1The final section of this chapter addresses the administration of environmental policies and programs in the District of Columbia. In the past, the fragmentation of responsibilities across multiple agencies has hindered the enforcement of our environmental regulations and the collection and tracking of environmental data. There has been no single agency with an express mandate to protect the District’s environment and provide environmental leadership. 630.1

 

630.2As noted in the opening paragraphs of this Element, legislation creating the Department of the Environment was approved in November 2005. Looking forward, a sustained commitment to funding and adequately staffing this department will be necessary to ensure that it can carry out its mission. 630.2

 

630.3Policy E-5.4.1: Environmental Planning

 

Create a District administrative structure that allows for the most effective possible means of natural resource planning and management. 630.3

 

630.4Policy E-5.4.2: Adequacy of Funding

 

Provide for adequate funding and coordination of environmental protection activities and ensure that the environmental impacts of public actions and decisions are fully evaluated. 630.4

 

630.5Policy E-5.4.3: Cost-Benefit Analysis

 

Ensure that cost estimates for environmental programs consider not only immediate costs but also the long-term value of the benefits that will result. To demonstrate long-term value, fiscal impact assessments should consider the long-term cost of not implementing environmental programs as well as the short-term cost of implementing them. 630.5

 

630.6Action E-5.4.A: Department of the Environment

 

Provide the necessary staff resources, funding, and regulatory authority for the newly created District Department of the Environment to achieve its mission and successfully implement the District’s key environmental protection programs. 630.6

 

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.