| Local climate solutions powered by faith communities. |
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| Faith Leaders Join FACS’ Clergy Council for Climate Justice We're excited to announce the creation of our new Clergy Council, a gathering of esteemed faith leaders dedicated to aiding FACS with spiritual insight, wisdom, and moral leadership. We welcome Rev. Laura Martin from Rock Spring UCC, Rabbi Jeffrey Saxe from Temple Rodef Shalom, and Rev. Jon Strand from Church of the Holy Comforter. Their guidance will be instrumental in grounding our climate and justice work in deeply rooted faith values and principles. |
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| Groundbreaking Installation of 5-Megawatt Solar Array Project at I-95 Landfill “We’re projecting over $12 million of savings or cost avoidance with renewable energy from this project.” —Eric Forbes, Deputy Director of Solid Waste Management Program, DPWES Building Virginia’s first solar array on a closed landfill, Fairfax County is planning a 5-megawatt system covering 37 acres atop the I‑95 landfill in Lorton, set to be completed in Spring 2026. The project is expected to save or avoid over $12 million, reduce 136,000 metric tons of CO₂ over 30 years, and generate clean power equivalent to the needs of roughly 1,000 homes. |
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| Saying NO to 6 New Gas-Fired Power Plants In partnership with Sierra Club’s Great Falls Group and Chesapeake Climate Action Network, over 30 community advocates convened to challenge Dominion Energy’s plan for six new gas-fired power plants. The statewide campaign aims to block a proposed plant in Chesterfield County, fight increased air pollution and utility costs, and ensure voices are heard at VA DEQ hearings this summer. |
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| Join the FACS Board! FACS is looking for passionate individuals to help lead the way in local climate action. As a Board Member, you’ll guide our mission, support fundraising, and collaborate with a diverse, interfaith team committed to climate justice in Northern Virginia. |
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| Faith in Action – Listening to the Living Earth As plants communicate through the air and grass pushes through sidewalks, we’re reminded: to take care of ourselves, we must take care of the Earth. |
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| Upcoming Events & Opportunities |
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| Create Your Perfect Native Garden Summer Webinar Series: Low-Maintenance & Composting Wed | July 16 & August 20 | 2–3 PM | Virtual Join our free summer webinar series on native plant gardening! Learn how to design a low-maintenance garden and explore composting methods that turn waste into “black gold.” Presented with Fairfax Master Gardeners, each session offers local expertise and practical tips for gardeners of all levels. TOPIC SESSIONS: - Wed, July 16, 2 PM - Low-Maintenance Gardening — Want to grow a native plant garden but short on time, energy, or have a restricted budget? Discover how to design a beautiful space that requires minimal upkeep. VA Master Gardener BJ Frank will share simple strategies for choosing the best low-maintenance native plants, cutting down on costs, and making your garden thrive with ease.
- Wed, August 20, 2 PM - Composting: Turn Waste into "Black Gold" — Turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich "black gold" for your garden! Master Gardener BJ Frank will dive into the fascinating science and environmental benefits behind the practice and walk you through the pros and cons of 7 different composting methods so you can choose the one that best fits your space, lifestyle, and goals. Great for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
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| Save the Date: Climate Crisis Forum Sun | October 5 | 3–5 PM | @TBA Get ready to join us for our 9th Annual Climate Crisis Forum, the first dedicated specifically to exploring the impact of data centers on consumers and the environment. Speakers will highlight how these facilities influence local climate resilience, energy demand, and community well‑being. More details and registration info coming soon, so mark your calendars and keep an eye out in our future emails! |
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| | - Foam Ban: Starting today, Virginia food vendors with 20 or more locations are banned from using polystyrene (Styrofoam) food containers. By July 1, 2026, all food vendors will need to comply.
- Invasive Species: Following a successful pilot, Loudoun County approved their Invasive Plant Species Management Program. This initiative will offer guidance and funding to eligible landowners to identify, remove, and monitor invasive plants—such as autumn olive, English ivy, Japanese barberry, tree-of-heaven, and many others.
- Data Centers: With no statewide regulations in place, Virginia’s localities are making their own data-center rules, leading to inconsistent approaches across jurisdictions that could impact land use, energy consumption, and local infrastructure.
- Clean Water: After nearly a year, the D.C.-area drought watch has officially been lifted and ending alerts issued since July 2024 due to abundant spring rain that replenished reservoirs and groundwater sources.
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| | Fill out this form to get involved with your local Advocacy Hub. You'll receive updates for county-specific meetings & events, action alerts, and more! A Hub Leader will reach out to you shortly after submitting. |
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| CITY OF ALEXANDRIA This month, Hub leaders met with Dr. Alicia Hart, Chief Operating Officer of Alexandria City Public Schools, to learn more about the district’s proposed sustainability plan and open a dialogue around its development and implementation. 📅 Upcoming Event: The next Hub meeting will be a casual social gathering on Wednesday, July 9, from 5:30–7:00 PM at Fairlington United Methodist Church (3900 King Street). Join us outside in the playground/picnic area (weather permitting), or in the beautiful Fellowship Hall. The location is accessible by bus and has ample parking. Light refreshments will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring something to share. New participants are especially welcome! Join the “City of Alexandria” FACS Hub to get connected. |
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| ARLINGTON COUNTY The Arlington Hub gathered in person this June for an evening of food and connection, taking time to reflect on personal climate priorities in a relaxed setting. 📅 Important Notice: The Hub will not meet in July, but will resume regular meetings on Wednesday, August 6. The Arlington Hub typically meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM, usually via Zoom. Join the “Arlington County” FACS Hub to get connected. |
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| FAIRFAX COUNTY The Fairfax Hub is launching issue-based action teams focused on topics like data centers, waste policy, tree canopy preservation, and more—offering opportunities for deeper engagement on key local issues. Those interested in joining an issue based team can contact Bryan Scrafford, FACS Advocacy Director, at [email protected]. 📅 Upcoming Event: Their next virtual Hub meeting is on Thursday, July 17 at 7:00 PM. Register here to receive the Zoom link and join the conversation. |
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| LOUDOUN COUNTY At the June 22 meeting, the Hub welcomed Tony Hayes, Loudoun County Recycling Manager. Mr. Hayes shared that Loudoun was the first locality in Virginia to receive a landfill permit in 1971. The landfill offers several recycling opportunities, including food composting; Loudoun hopes to expand its purple bin glass collection sites to County rural areas, and much more. The Hub then focused on three local advocacy priorities: data centers, waste management, and natural resources. 📅 Upcoming Event: Hub members are invited to attend a special talk with Glen Besa, former Director of the Virginia Sierra Club, on Friday, July 11 from 1:00–2:00 PM at the Ashby Ponds Great Oak Clubhouse Theatre. Mr. Besa will discuss Dominion Energy’s proposal to build six methane gas-fired power plants across Virginia. Join the “Loudoun County” FACS Hub or contact Hub Leader Jean Wright at [email protected] to get connected. |
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| CENTRAL VALLEY At their most recent meeting, the Central Valley Hub began planning for their Sustainable Farm Festival that will be on September 20. Congregations and community members will be invited to celebrate local, regenerative, and sustainable small farms that produce fresh vegetables that are distributed to individual families, farmers markets, and local schools. The tour will begin at Jubilee Climate Farm to learn about their practice of carbon farming and agroforestry and their network of supporting migrant communities. Then, they will visit Second Mountain Farm to learn about their certified organic farming practices. The day will conclude with a festival celebrating the bounty of the earth and what local, climate-wise, sustainable farming contributes to a flourishing ecosystem. |
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| FACS' Monthly Sustainability Tip |
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| Opt for silent fireworks or a laser or drone light show this Independence Day to protect wildlife from loud noises and bright blasts. These quieter, eco-friendly alternatives still deliver stunning visual displays—but without stressing local animals, disrupting nesting or feeding routines, or risking wildfires. Explore how your celebrations can be spectacular and sustainable this Independence Day and beyond. |
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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 | [email protected] |
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