The Anacostia River, located in the capital of the United States, is considered one of the most polluted rivers in the nation. The Anacostia exceeds state and federal limit levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and lead which cause medical issues like cancer. I also know many middle and high schoolers who row on the Anacostia, and the river's health concerns the health of the people who interact with it.

DC should not give contracts to companies if they do not pass environmental regulations and should hold companies accountable by implementing penalties strong enough to drive real change.

In 2023 the largest environmental lawsuit in DC occurred when Exelon’s PEPCO was fined $57 million for polluting the Anacostia, which is less than 2% of one Anacostia project (2.7 billion). PEPCO also made about $19.1 billion in 2022 revenue. How does 2% compensate for billions of dollars in cleanups, decades of pollution, and multi-generational health issues?

Additionally, Fort Myer Construction knowingly breaks environmental regulations and has not met environmental standards for over 8 years. They consistently discharge pollutants and sewage into the Anacostia. Despite this, DC has consistently contracted over $1 billion in taxpayer money since 2016 to continue these projects.

Companies like Fort Myer and PEPCO should pay enough to undo as much damage as possible and shouldn’t receive government contracts until they meet the required standards.

The Anacostia will never change if DC can’t consider environmental impacts before agreeing to projects. If we can incentivize companies to work responsibly around the Anacostia, we can save the health of the river and its communities.

Fort Myer Contracts

Exelon's PEPCO lawsuit

NOAA Lead and PCBs