Clearing the Air
A solutions journalism series examining air pollution across the DMV — its real impact on our communities, and what’s actually being done about it.
DC received an “F” for air quality in 2025 · Solutions Journalism · We don’t just report the problem. We follow the work. · Impact-tracked reporting since 1964
Air Quality · DMV Communities
What Is Solutions Journalism? We Don’t Just Report the Problem. We Follow the Work.
Solutions journalism is rigorous reporting that goes beyond documenting what’s broken. It examines credible responses to community challenges — tracking what’s working, what’s not, and why.
For our air quality coverage, that means we don’t just ask “Is DC’s air getting worse?” We ask: Which neighborhoods are most affected? What are residents actually experiencing? Which policy changes, infrastructure investments, or community initiatives are making a measurable difference — and which aren’t living up to the hype?
VIDEO: Clearing the Air — Wala Blegay on the Future of Energy Grid Stability and Data Center Concerns
Prince George’s County Council Member-at-Large Wala Blegay discussed the Qualified Data Center Task Force’s efforts and the need for environmental considerations regarding data center developments in an interview with Washington Informer reporter Mya Trujillo.
VIDEO: Clearing the Air — Antoine Thompson and Charrisse Jackson-Jordan on the Importance of Black Voices Advocating Against Environmental Disparities
Washington Informer reporter Mya Trujillo interviewed GWRCCC CEO Antoine Thompson and Charrisse Jackson-Jordan at the CBCF’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference to discuss how Black communities can advocate for environmental justice.
D.C. Schools Lead the Push for Greener Learning Spaces
D.C. is leading the nation in modernizing educational infrastructure through sustainable design and green policies, such as installing geothermal heat pumps and implementing energy-efficient standards to improve student performance and environmental resilience.
Why Trust The Washington Informer on Air Quality?
Community-Embedded Reporting
We have established relationships with DMV residents, community organizations, and environmental advocates across all eight wards — giving our reporters access and trust other outlets don’t have.
Impact Tracking
We don’t just publish and move on. We track outcomes — returning to neighborhoods, organizations, and decision-makers to measure real change over time and report on what’s actually working.
60 Years of Community Trust
The Informer has served the DMV since 1964. Our readers trust us — and so do the community leaders, scientists, and policymakers we report on. We don’t compromise that trust.
Your Neighborhood Experience Still Matters.
The survey is still open. Tell us what air quality feels like where you live and help shape what we report next.
Take the SurveyThis Coverage Takes Community Support.
Solutions journalism is resource-intensive. Following impact means multiple reporting trips, community interviews, data analysis, and sustained editorial investment across months.
Become a Washington Informer member today and keep solutions journalism in the DMV.
Support This WorkThe Washington Informer · Solutions Journalism · Clearing the Air · Serving the DMV since 1964
