Local Activists Speak Out Against Washington Gas Pipeline Replacement Plan

December 10, 2025

Washington Gas has been replacing aging natural gas pipelines in Washington D.C. since 2014, and recently proposed a new phase called District SAFE that would cost $215 million through 2027. Climate advocates and residents strongly oppose the plan, citing rising utility bills, increasing hazardous gas leaks, and conflicts with the city's climate goals, leading to protests that disrupted regulatory hearings. While Washington Gas defends the infrastructure upgrades as necessary for safety and reliability for over 160,000 customers, data shows hazardous gas leaks increased 38% between 2016 and 2024 despite overall leak reductions.

Who is affected

Over 160,000 D.C. residents and businesses served by Washington Gas
One in seven gas users in the city who are behind on their utility bills
Lauren Gygax and other Silver Spring/D.C. residents experiencing higher utility bills
Jean Tepas and other D.C. residents concerned about climate change and future generations
Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) and its D.C. Campaign Manager Claire Mills
Beyond Gas D.C. coalition members
Extinction Rebellion organizers
Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (DCPSC)
Washington Gas (WGL) as a company

What action is being taken

The DCPSC is reviewing the District SAFE Plan proposal
Washington Gas is working to replace older pipelines (ongoing since 2014)
Climate advocates are protesting and disrupting DCPSC hearings
The DCPSC is evaluating factors such as cost impacts on ratepayers and alignment with climate goals

Why it matters

This issue matters because it represents a fundamental conflict between maintaining fossil fuel infrastructure and transitioning to clean energy in line with climate goals. The 38% increase in hazardous gas leaks from 2016 to 2024 raises serious safety concerns, while some leaks reach potentially explosive levels. Rising utility costs disproportionately burden residents, with one in seven gas users already behind on bills, yet rate increases continue. The decision will determine whether D.C. commits billions more to fossil fuel infrastructure or pivots to sustainable alternatives like heat pumps, affecting both immediate public safety and long-term climate impacts for future generations.

What's next

The DCPSC will complete its review of the District SAFE Plan and make a decision
If approved, District SAFE would run through December 2027, replacing approximately 12 miles of mains and 3,600 service lines
The Customer Choice Pilot Program would give residents the option to permanently discontinue gas services instead of having lines replaced

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer