Remember that whole brouhaha about the Solar Decathlon needing to move off the National Mall in order to preserve the grass? It ended up in West Potomac Park in late September, which seemed to mollify participants, who feared having to shlep to National Harbor. Next year, however, the Department of Energy is inviting bids for other venues, looking to move the 10-year-old event outside D.C. altogether "in an effort to expand the excitement generated by the competition and encourage participation from new communities."
That's certainly a loss for the District, and participants might grumble about losing the prestige of America's front yard. It's hard to argue the essential fairness of spreading the love around, though.
Enjoy This Year’s Solar Decathlon, It’s Probably D.C.’s Last was originally published by Washington City Paper on Aug 3, 2011
