Read the candidates responses to questions on key environmental challenges and attend the Environmental Candidates forum on October 20 —
On November 2, Virginians will go to the polls to elect their Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and representatives to the House of Delegates. Arlington voters will also fill one seat each for the County Board and the School Board (early voting starts September 17). Arlington’s 2021 Voters Guide provides information and ways to vote.
Voting is an important way for individuals to support bold and comprehensive action to address the climate crisis and ensure healthy and equitable communities for all residents. To help voters decide, EcoAction Arlington has asked County and School Board candidates to complete a questionnaire on their positions on key environmental challenges currently facing our community.
County Board Candidates Questionnaire on Environmental Issues
1. Achieving the County goals for renewable energy and carbon neutrality: This year has seen some of the most brutal heat waves of all time across the globe, massive wildfires and unprecedented flooding in the United States and around the globe, all tied to climate. How should Arlington address climate change and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to achieve its goals of 100 percent renewable electricity by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2050 and what policies would you promote to meet those goals?
2. Incorporating nature into development and protecting green spaces: As Arlington develops, the detrimental impact to our tree canopy, streams and waterways, and open spaces is increasing. In 2020, Arlington joined the Biophilic Cities Network, committing to integrate nature into its urban environment. What strategies and policies would you pursue to improve and protect Arlington’s natural resources, expand its tree canopy, and incorporate nature into its urban design and how would you ensure equitable access to these resources for all Arlingtonians?
3. Moving to more sustainable transportation options: Transportation accounts for almost 40 percent of Arlington’s greenhouse gas emissions. How can Arlington meet the transportation needs of those who live and work in the County while reducing the climate and environmental impacts that current transportation modes create?
County Board Candidates Responses:
School Board Candidates Questionnaire on Environmental Issues
Environmental Forum for County Board Candidates
October 20, 2021
On Wednesday, October 20, from 7-8:30 p.m. EcoAction Arlington along with the Arlington Hub of the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, Audubon Naturalist Society, CSG: Coalition for Smarter Growth, and Leaders in Energy held a virtual forum over Zoom to discuss climate change, energy, smart growth, resiliency, equity, and natural resources with the candidates for the Arlington County Board election on November 2: Mike Cantwell (I), Audrey Clement (I), Takis Karantonis (D), and Adam Theo (I). The event was moderated by Silvia Lucero, EcoAction Arlington board member. Please read the candidates’ responses to our environmental questionnaires on our website.
This event was organized by EcoAction Arlington in partnership with the following co-sponsors: the Arlington Hub of the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, Audubon Naturalist Society, CSG: Coalition for Smarter Growth, and Leaders in Energy.
This content originally appeared in The EcoAdvocate newsletter produced by the EcoAction Arlington Advocacy Committee.