December 7: DOEE public meeting on CRIAC Nonprofit Relief Program

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is holding a public meeting on the the Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) Relief Program for Nonprofit Organizations (CRIAC Nonprofit Relief Program) Friday, December 7, 9:30–11:00 am. All nonprofits are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The purpose of the meeting is to present an overview of the proposed CRIAC Nonprofit Relief Program including eligibility requirements, application process, and the amount of relief available.

The issue with CRIAC

CRIAC fees have increased substantially over the past 10 years to pay for court-ordered improvements to reduce regular contamination of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and their tributaries. DC Water has embarked on a large-scale combined sewer system infrastructure expansion to reduce combined sewer overflows from contributing to the pollution in DC’s waterways. The work is expensive and nonprofit organizations are feeling the pinch.

The work being undertaken by DC Water is expensive but critical; it’s protecting DC residents from sewage overflows. APACC has supported community voices raising equity concerns about the CRIAC and agrees that maintaining this critical funding source requires addressing equity issues.