Sixth Annual Virginia Climate Crisis Forum

Join us online on November 17 for our Sixth Annual Virginia Climate Crisis Forum on climate solutions needed now to safeguard our families’ futures. The event will feature a panel discussion with Fairfax County Chair Jeff McKay, Arlington County Chair Matt de Ferranti. We will also be joined by guest speakers from Our Children’s Trust, the world’s only non-profit public interest law firm dedicated exclusively to securing the legal rights of youth to a healthy atmosphere and safe climate, based on the best available science.

NOVA to Zero

Last year’s Fairfax to Zero campaign was based on the effort to promote local policies that will reduce greenhouse gases emitted in Fairfax County. The goal is to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, if not sooner. We're going bigger! FACS' faith community network has already expanded throughout Northern Virginia (NOVA), so our ongoing efforts should reflect that. Just like Fairfax to Zero, our NOVA to Zero advocacy, education, and outreach efforts will focus on attainable and transformative strategies that will promote resilient communities, clean air, improved health, new businesses, and sustainable jobs. How can you help? Pledge to give in 2022 or donate now to help power our work throughout Northern Virginia!

Pastor Dulany Washington is leading the effort to assess the church buildings for a solar and battery storage microgrid and upgrading its energy efficiency, stove, refrigerator, heating, and air conditioning. This pilot project will make the church a resilience hub for the surrounding community, in the face of climate change and increasingly extreme weather.

We are working in partnership with Captain Richard Birt and PosiGen, a solar company which concentrates on low income communities. Following Hurricane Ida, a Category 4 storm that caused devastation and power outages across Louisiana, this team worked to install solar and battery storage systems in multiple communities, saving many lives. We are honored to have them join us in our efforts to proactively strengthen the resilience of our communities.

If you would like to support our Solar Sanctuaries program, please contact FACS Executive Director Andrea McGimsey. We are looking for additional faith buildings for pilot projects, especially in low income or rural communities, as well as donations and prayers.

[Photo: Pastor Dulany Washington, Oakrum Baptist Church]

City of Alexandria Hub Updates

Check out the Alexandria Hub’s latest blog post for information on an online public meeting regarding the City's Energy and Climate Change Action Plan as well as upcoming local events.

Arlington County Hub Updates

FACS/Arlington coordinated an advocacy effort with the County Board over its legislative agenda, pushing for stronger actions on building efficiency measures including collecting of energy usage data, community solar, and EV support. We co-sponsored the second webinar on going carbon neutral, focused on residential buildings. Our meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Prince William County Hub Updates

There has been a lot of buzz about whether or not do develop the Rural Crescent. Sashia Scott, the Prince William County Community Organizer for the Prince William County Hub of Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS), got the chance to ask local advocates their thoughts on the situation. Learn more about the rural crescent and why it is important to put development elsewhere by reading our latest blog post and joining us at our next meeting on Wednesday, November 24 at 7:00 p.m.

Montgomery County Hub Updates

MC-FACS will be submitting testimony to the Montgomery County Council for its October 28 hearing on Building Energy Performance Standards. This bill would require existing commercial buildings to reduce their energy use substantially over the next 12 years or face fines or sanctions. D.C. and New York City already have similar laws in place. We encourage Northern Virginia to do the same!

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