Let’s Make 2024 the Year of Climate Action in Arlington

The County Board started the year on a positive note, advancing the transition of ART buses from polluting fossil-gas buses to zero emission battery electric buses with an agreement to order 8 battery electric buses and foregoing a proposed hydrogen bus pilot. Our letters and advocacy helped make this possible. Decarbonizing our transit fleet is only one of many decisions needed to accelerate action to address the climate crisis, and continued bold leadership by the County Board will be critical to advance a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach to advance climate solutions.

Fundamental to preventing the worst consequences of the climate crisis is accelerating the phaseout of fossil fuels through reduced energy use, electrification, and the shift to renewable energy sources. Our buildings need to become more energy efficient and rely on electric systems for heating and cooling, heating water, and cooking. Improved transit and multi-modal options along with vehicle electrification will accelerate decarbonization of transportation. The County Board will have many opportunities to advance climate action through the FY25 Budget, the FY25-34 Capital Improvement Plan, updates of the Green Building Incentive Program, and other decisions that both lead by example and foster broader transformation across the community. 

Please write to the County Board members thanking them for their leadership advancing the transition of ART buses to battery electric buses and urging them to make climate action a priority for 2024 and beyond.

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SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Chair Garvey and County Board Members,

Thank you for advancing the transition of ART buses to cleaner, zero-carbon battery electric buses. I urge you to continue to advance the County’s efforts to meet its carbon neutrality goal and more importantly to facilitate the rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 necessary to avoid the worst consequences of the climate crisis. Specifically, I ask that you commit to phasing out the use of fossil fuels as quickly as possible in County operations and prioritize programs and policies that will assist residents and businesses to shift away from fossil fuels and adopt lower carbon lifestyles. Your leadership and commitment is critical to advancing a whole-of-government and indeed a whole-of-community approach to addressing the climate crisis and ensuring that our children and grandchildren can live prosperous and fulfilling lives.

Sincerely,

NAME

ADDRESS

E-MAIL or phone number