MAJOR WIN: Gov. Youngkin’s Unlawful Attempt to Withdraw from RGGI is Overturned

In 2023, FACS joined in the lawsuit against Gov. Youngkin’s unlawful attempt to withdraw Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Although FACS was dismissed from the case for lack of standing, the legal battle moved forward with the Southern Environmental Law Center and their client the Association of Energy Conservation Professionals. Last month, the Circuit Court of Floyd County ruled that the Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board, Department of Environmental Quality, and its director’s regulatory action removing Virginia from RGGI was “unlawful and without effect.” 

“At FACS, we believe that addressing climate change and eliminating greenhouse gasses are urgent moral imperatives. We are grateful for the legislators that voted for RGGI, the governor that signed the 2020 legislation into law, and the judge who recognized that a law cannot be overturned by regulatory action.” — Scott Peterson, FACS Board of Directors Chair

Faith in Action – “What if?” By Carmen Rumbaut

“What if we are at a tipping point where a huge move forward is just as likely as taking it all down with us?” Take a moment to enjoy Carmen Rumbaut’s poem “What if?” and keep your mind open for the good that is coming.

General Assembly Preview – Dec 7 | 9 AM-12 PM | Hybrid

FACS is preparing for Virginia’s legislative session by partnering with Virginia Conservation Network to host a General Assembly Preview Regional Watch Party in Arlington at Walker Chapel United Methodist Church.

For in-person attendees, we’ll share breakfast while learning about environmental legislation expected in the upcoming General Assembly session from statewide experts. After the livestream, FACS' Arlington and City of Alexandria Hubs will lead discussions on how local advocates can engage. All speaker presentations can be watched virtually from 9:15-11:00 AM.

Use Discount Code "VCNARLI24" to waive ticket costs.

Critical Discussion on Data Centers and Energy Use in Northern Virginia – Dec 13 | 7:30 PM | In-Person

Act for Climate Today (ACT!) is hosting a crucial panel discussion at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax (UUCF) with Loudoun Supervisor Mike Turner, Fairfax Supervisor James Walkenshaw, and Sierra Club's Ann Bennett about the significant energy demands of data centers, how they are threatening Virginia's renewable energy goals, and what can be done to ensure responsible practices by Dominion Energy.

Cut Wasted Energy Costs & Save Money with FACS' Power of Faith Fairfax Program

Is your congregation located in Fairfax County? FACS launched a unique partnership with the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination so that congregations like yours can cut wasted energy costs and save money for your missions while reducing your carbon footprint! Learn how FACS' Power of Faith Fairfax program can help your faith community track energy use, electrify your house of worship, create solar sanctuaries, and finance your journey.

Engaging All Generations with an Active Creation Care Ministry

Earning the title as Fairfax County’s First Old-Growth Community Forest, St. Peter's in the Woods Episcopal Church has an extremely active and robust Creation Care Ministry. Learn how St. Peter's in the Woods engages their youth and young adult groups; maintains a lush, native landscape on their grounds; and engages in unique partnerships.