[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 20, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E868]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF WASHINGTON GAS

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 20, 2023

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 175th 
anniversary of Washington Gas, a leading provider of energy services in 
the national capital region.
  In 1848, Congress passed, and President James Polk signed, an Act 
that chartered the Washington Gas Light Company, making Washington Gas 
the first congressionally chartered gas company in the country. 
Washington Gas was originally responsible for installing gas lights in 
the United States Capitol, the White House, and along Pennsylvania 
Avenue in the District of Columbia. Washington Gas expanded its service 
into Maryland and Virginia around the turn of the 20th century, and 
today provides energy to more than 1.2 million residential, commercial, 
and industrial customers in the national capital region.
  Over the years, Washington Gas and its employees have supported 
various nonprofit, community, civic, and charitable organizations. This 
support has enhanced the quality of life for countless individuals and 
families in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, providing millions of dollars 
for vocational training, job placements, and other paths to long-term 
employment, including more than $500,000 in scholarships for 
underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and 
mathematics.
  Since 2018 alone, Washington Gas' philanthropic programs and 
initiatives have contributed more than $7 million in local support. 
This funding has advanced programs that support healthy and safe 
communities.
  Washington Gas employees have provided more than 140,000 hours of 
volunteer service since 2005 to organizations in D.C., Maryland, and 
Virginia, including the Capital Area Food Bank, Special Olympics DC, 
Healthy Babies Project, The Latino Student Fund, The Boys & Girls Clubs 
of Greater Washington, INROADS, Junior Achievement, The March of Dimes, 
YMCA of Greater Washington, A Wider Circle, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma 
Society.
  This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the Washington Area Fuel 
Fund (WAFF). Since 1983, WAFF has provided over $33 million to help 
more than 308,000 local families heat their homes during challenging 
times, no matter their heating source. Washington Gas pays all 
administrative fees to ensure that every WAFF dollar goes to a family 
in need.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
congratulating Washington Gas on its 175th anniversary and thanking 
Washington Gas for its service to its customers and community.

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