Want to Have a Voice in Our Energy Future? Arlington County to Hold Community Energy Forum

In 2007, Arlington County launched Fresh AIRE (Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions), a climate action program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from County government operations, residents, and businesses.  Arlington built on the success of AIRE in January 2010 with the launch of the Community Energy Plan, a 40-year plan that will transform the way energy is produced, transported, stored, and consumed by everyone living and working in the County.  This Plan will address the places where we use energy in our community – our homes, shops, offices, public buildings, and on our roads – and offer strategies to enhance Arlington’s economic competitiveness, ensure reliable and affordable energy supplies, and demonstrate the County’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility.

The process for developing the Community Energy Plan includes two equally important elements: a Community Energy & Sustainability Task Force and community feedback.  The Task Force was convened by Chairman Jay Fisette and is made up of local energy and business leaders.  The Task Force meets every other month and each meeting is open to the public. 

To solicit community feedback, the County has planned a series of town halls.  On Thursday, October 21^st, the County will be holding the second in a series of Town Hall Meetings to solicit public feedback.  This meeting will give Arlingtonians a chance to share their thoughts on energy challenges and opportunities in our community.   Residents are invited to attend to learn more about the preliminary recommendations for the plan and provide feedback.  Residents will also be provided with information on how they can reduce their emissions today!

This meeting will be held Thursday, October 21^st from 6:00-9:00 at Wakefield High School (4901 S. Chesterfield Road, Arlington, VA 22206).  Following check-in and networking, background information on the CEP will be presented, to be followed by presentations and discussions on the CEP’s three areas of preliminary recommendations.  Food will be provided, and attendees will receive a free compact fluorescent light bulb.  You can view a more detailed agenda at www.arlingtonva.us/energyplan. 

Want more information? 

Both those able and unable to attend are encouraged to look at the Community Energy Plan’s updates at www.arlingtonva.us/energyplan.  Click on the “Feedback and Comment” link, which allows you to send an e-mail requesting regular project updates.