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
1. Achieving the County goals for renewable energy and carbon neutrality: Fairfax County Public Schools recently committed to achieving carbon neutrality for its operations by 2040. Should Arlington Public Schools make a similar commitment and what strategies and policies would you pursue to reduce carbon emissions in APS?
2. Incorporating nature into development and protecting green spaces: Numerous studies demonstrate the importance of access to nature on the mental and physical well-being of children. With the pandemic, the need for increasing connections to nature is extremely critical. How can APS create an environment that incorporates nature into the school environment and curriculum and what policies would you promote to ensure that all of Arlington’s students have easy access to nature?
3. Achieving zero waste: Arlington County passed a Zero Waste Resolution in 2015 and will begin a residential curbside food scraps collections program in early September. What opportunities does APS have to reduce its waste overall and maximize recycling and composting of waste to help the County achieve its goals and what benefits will this provide for Arlington students?
School Board Candidates Responses:
On October 20 at 7:00 pm, 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, will host a Candidates Forum to further explore the positions of the County Board candidates. (UPDATE 10/27/2021) You may watch a recording of the Candidates Environmental Forum that took place on Wednesday, October 20 by clicking on the video link below.
