| Local climate solutions powered by faith communities. |
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| The True Meaning Behind Rabbi Heschel’s Concept of Radical Amazement “Our goal should be to perceive the world with awe and wonder as if we were noticing it for the first time…Let us learn from the strength of generations before us, let us find joy in our lives and in our world, and let us act in small and big ways to protect it.” — Rabbi Jeffrey Saxe, Temple Rodef Shalom What did Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel really mean by "Radical Amazement"? Listen to FACS Clergy Council member Rabbi Jeffrey Saxe from Temple Rodef Shalom as he explains how this timeless spiritual idea challenges us to slow down, notice, rediscover, and take action in a world that needs our care. This reflection is paired with Rev. Laura Martin’s evocative poem, which asks each of us to name what we love in the world and how that love calls us toward faith-rooted climate action. Together, their voices embody the spiritual grounding, hope, and moral clarity that the FACS Clergy Council brings to our work and community. |
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| Over 40 Advocates Join FACS Watch Party in Arlington, the Largest in Virginia On December 6, more than 40 advocates gathered at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington to hear from statewide environmental experts about Virginia’s most pressing issues and anticipated legislation in the 2026 General Assembly. Hosted in partnership with the Virginia Conservation Network, FACS’ General Assembly Preview Regional Watch Party was the largest of nine held across the state. Community members engaged in substantive discussions on renewable energy, transportation electrification (including EV infrastructure), and the growing impacts of data centers, as well as how these priorities will shape FACS’ advocacy and opportunities for action in the year ahead |
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| ACTION ALERT: Urge FCPS Leadership to Act Quickly on School Solar If you are a Fairfax County resident, now is a critical moment to speak up for clean energy in our schools. After years of delays, solar panels have finally begun going up on some Fairfax County Public Schools, helping reduce energy costs, improve resilience, support student learning, and address climate change. However, current plans cover only a small fraction of FCPS’ 199 schools and centers, and the window to act is closing as the commercial solar tax credit phases out. Add your voice by urging Superintendent Michelle Reid and School Board members to build on this progress and move faster to install solar on as many school roofs as possible while the opportunity still exists. Students from six FCPS high schools are already involved, alongside partners including Mothers Out Front, Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action, and Citizens’ Climate Lobby Fairfax, with the goal of building community support to move school solar projects forward. |
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| We’re Now on Bluesky! Follow FACS @faithforclimate.bsky.social on Bluesky for updates on local and statewide climate action, advocacy opportunities, and ways to stay engaged across Virginia. |
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| | Raise Your Voice for Effective, Climate Policies with FACS Wed | Jan 7 | 7–8:30 PM | Virtual Want to shape strong climate legislation in Virginia’s General Assembly session starting this month? Our Northern Virginia Advocacy Hubs are hosting a special joint discussion for anyone who wants to engage in advocacy on the state level. We’ll cover: 🌟 Priority issues FACS will be advancing in the upcoming legislative session. 🌟 Concrete actions you can take during Virginia’s General Assembly starting this month. 🌟 Organizing tools and strategies available to support your advocacy. 🌟 Insight into how hyper-local concerns connect to state-level priorities and how your voice can make a real impact. |
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| Conservation Lobby Day Wed | Feb 4 | 7:45 AM–2:00 PM | @Richmond, VA The largest environmental lobby day of the year is here! Join advocates from across the Commonwealth for Conservation Lobby Day, hosted in partnership with the Virginia Conservation Network. This is a unique opportunity to meet directly with your state legislators alongside other fellow advocates from your district and advocate for the environmental priorities that matter most to you. |
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| | - Clean Water: The Potomac Conservancy recently rated the Potomac River’s health at a “B” for water quality, a major improvement from its “D” rating in 2011 and a reflection of their years of coordinated restoration and pollution-reduction efforts.
- Transportation: Fairfax County continues to electrify its vehicle fleet but now expects to be unable to meet its goal to fully electrify all county vehicles by 2035 following President Trump’s rollback of federal EV policies. Despite this hurdle, vehicle emissions in the county actually dropped even more than miles traveled thanks to the increased usage of electric vehicles, with 37,193 EVs registered in Fairfax County in 2024 compared to the less than 2,300 in 2016.
- Energy: Dominion Energy’s proposal for a $1.47 billion natural gas plant in Chesterfield County aimed at meeting rising energy demands across the state has been approved by the State Corporation Commission, a decision that has raised concerns among community members about costs, pollution, and long-term climate impacts.
- Statewide: Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger is moving energy issues to the top of her agenda by creating a new Cabinet-level position focused on meeting rising electricity demand, keeping energy affordable, and maintaining Virginia’s commitment to meeting clean energy goals.
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| | Prepare for General Assembly with FACS! Wed | Jan 7 | 7–8:30 PM | Virtual FACS’ Northern Virginia Advocacy Hubs are hosting a special joint discussion for anyone who wants to engage in advocacy on the state level this month. |
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| FAIRFAX COUNTY As the General Assembly session rapidly approaches, community members have an opportunity to take local action by providing public comment when the County’s legislative delegation holds a public hearing at the Fairfax County Government Center on Saturday, January 10. The Hub plans to use this forum to speak out on priority legislation. Interested in participating? Contact FACS Advocacy Director Bryan Scrafford at bryan@faithforclimate.org |
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| ROCKINGHAM COUNTY (CENTRAL SHENANDOAH VALLEY The Hub recently assisted Renew Rocktown in launching the HR Energy Check program, which offers free home energy audits to each participating household. Low-income households can also receive about $2,000 worth of home weatherization services, including air sealing and insulation upgrades. The Harrisonburg Electric Commission is helping to support this endeavor as it seeks to reduce electric bills and energy consumption. Sign up for the “Rockingham County (Central Shenandoah Valley)” FACS Hub’s mailing list to get connected and stay tuned to what’s happening in the Shenandoah Valley. |
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| ARLINGTON COUNTY The Arlington Hub held an expert-led, in-depth presentation on data centers to strengthen their understanding on the complexities of the issue and strengthen their advocacy skills. The discussion included why data centers are important while also touching on concerns related to emissions, water and energy use, costs to ratepayers, and the public policies that shape their development, such as land use and transmission planning. Sign up for the “Arlington County” FACS Hub’s mailing list to get connected. |
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| CITY OF ALEXANDRIA The Alexandria Hub continues to advocate for a stronger Green Building Policy (GBP) to ensure better measures of energy efficiency for the city's buildings. With more than half of the city's greenhouse gas emissions coming from energy use in buildings, this is a critical area for improvement. The GBP is now being included in the city’s Masterplan, which will ensure it will be reviewed regularly. Sign up for the “City of Alexandria” FACS Hub’s mailing list to get connected. |
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| LOUDOUN COUNTY The Loudoun Hub is co-hosting the January 7 joint advocacy event, which will provide an in-depth look at FACS’ priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Sign up for the “Loudoun County” FACS Hub’s mailing list to get connected. |
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| FACS' Monthly Sustainability Tip |
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| Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional furnaces and air conditioners, helping cut greenhouse gas emissions, fight climate change, and lower your utility bills. If you are considering this upgrade, start with a home energy audit to see whether a heat pump is the right fit for your home and to understand the potential savings. (Learn more & see resources to get started) |
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| Inspired to give beyond time and talent? |
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| | | Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions
PO Box 2012 | Reston, Virginia 20195
703-239-3748 | info@faithforclimate.org |
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