Good News

• Last week, FACS Board Chair Eric Goplerud wrote about how we all have the power to prevent climate catastrophes. It’s true that the Biden administration values national action and is demonstrating that by rejoining the Paris Climate Accords, envisioning jobs in clean energy, undoing environmental rollbacks, and even promoting environmental justice by looking at the social cost of carbon. At the end of the day, though, the government can’t do it alone. We all can make a difference through combined efforts, bold action, and local solutions to the climate crisis. We’re ready to make a difference with you.
• Feeling encouraged by forward movement in acting on the climate crisis? Commit your faith community to net zero. We’re hosting a FREE information session on Thursday, February 18 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time during which we’ll go over our Net Zero Commitment track of our Tree of Life program. Be a Net Zero Hero and register to attend the free session. 
• FACS has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2021 American Climate Leadership Awards! We'll be competing for the top ten finalist spots (selections will be made by March 15).

Hub Updates

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY

CONNECT WITH OUR HUBS

Did you know that we also have hubs in Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, and Montgomery County? Our advocacy teams help you put your faith in action.

Advocacy Updates

FACS PRIORITY LEGISLATION

The Virginia Legislature’s crossover day is this week. That’s when each chamber must complete its own bills and begin considering legislation passed by the other body.  Here’s where we stand:

• Ban of single-use Styrofoam food containers by prepared food vendors (Del. Betsy Carr HB 1902) passed the House and is on its way to the Senate. Thank you, FACS activists, for the 240 emails you sent to your Delegates asking for support! 
• Allow Fairfax County the authority to establish a Local Green Bank (Del. Kaye Kory’s HB 1919) will be voted upon the full house as soon as Wednesday. Look for a FACS Action Alert coming soon!
• Analysis of EV charging infrastructure to support the 2045 net-zero carbon target (Senator Boysko’s SB 1223) passed the Senate and is headed to the House. 
• Two electric vehicle (EV) bills face crucial votes this week: encouraging availability of a wider selection of EVs in Virginia by manufacturers (Del. Bagby HB 1965) and creation of an EV rebate program (Del. Reid’s HB 1979 -- there is still time to act!).  
• Unfortunately, bills to mandate automatic adoption of international energy-efficiency building codes within a year of publishing by the International Code Council (Del. Kory HB 2227) are facing opposition by home builders. Despite 75 emails sent by FACS activists to Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, the fate of Del. Kory’s bill is uncertain. The companion senate bill (Sen. Boysko SB 1224) was pulled. Stay tuned!

FAIRFAX TO ZERO

Community Partner Spotlight: Prince William Food Rescue

Prince William Food Rescue (PWFR) is a program of ACTS (Action in Community Through Service) and is an extension of their Hunger Prevention Center. They connect Donor Partners with Distribution Partners throughout the region. By using an app developed by 412 Food Rescue, they are able to mobilize thousands of volunteers to rescue perishable food. By leveraging technology, they were able to aggressively accomplish three primary goals:

• Reduce Food Waste
• Reduce Food Insecurity
• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

We applaud their efforts and recognize that it will take all of us to accomplish carbon neutrality by 2050. Read more about this inspiring community partner on our blog.

Faith Community Spotlight

We'd love to feature your faith community in our newsletter! How has your faith community kept momentum on climate action despite the pandemic? Have you successfully implemented something new or do you have plans for 2021? If you have a story to share, even if it's just a few sentences, please contact Natalie Cain. 

As an interfaith climate advocacy organization, FACS intentionally includes diverse communities, especially those most affected by climate change. FACS recognizes that global warming and climate change disproportionately affect lower-income populations and those in poverty, immigrants/refugees, and racial and ethnic minorities. As we celebrate Black History Month in February, we recognize that listening to, learn from, and amplifying the voices of our Black and brown brothers and sisters is something that should be done year-round. FACS attended the Audobon Naturalist Society's Naturally Latinos Conference in December, and we are very much looking forward to attending their upcoming Taking Nature Black conference later in February. 

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