Tag: energy
Committee suggests ways to make Mason District greener
There are dozens of ways to improve sustainability in Mason District, according to a committee of individuals knowledgeable in environmental issues. Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez appointed Ken Sandler, an expert in environmental science and policy, last April to convene a Greener Mason Advisory Committee. The committee was charged with proposing both long-term and short-term … Continued
Massive energy use by data centers could lead to higher electric bills
Energy demand is soaring in Virginia due to the boom in data centers, and that could result in higher utility bills for residential customers, according to a report released Dec. 9 by the General Assembly’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC). An independent forecast commissioned by JLARC found that “unconstrained demand for power in … Continued
Committee advises Jimenez on creating a greener Mason District
The Greener Mason Advisory Committee, a group set up by Supervisor Andres Jimenez, is development recommendations for making the environment of Mason District “measurably cleaner, healthier, and more pleasant.”
Funding available for EV charging stations
Community and homeowner associations can apply for technical assistance and partial reimbursement for installing electrical charging stations for residents. The application period for the Charge Up Fairfax Program opens on May 1. Communities accepted into the program will receive a site visit and a free assessment from an engineering firm. If the community association decides … Continued
FCPS gets 42 electric school buses
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Fairfax County Public Schools $16.5 million for 42 new electric school buses. The funds come from the Clean School Bus Program which was included in the bipartisan infrastructure law enacted during the Biden administration. “Every day, thousands of students, staff, and parents are in and around school buses, … Continued
Discounts offered on solar energy
With all eyes on the solar eclipse later today (figuratively, not literally, we hope), it’s a good time to think about making the most of the sun’s energy. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Solarize Virginia, a program that vets solar panel installation companies that provides discounts to homeowners. It’s offered by the Local Energy Alliance … Continued
HOAs and nonprofits can apply for energy conservation grants
Homeowner associations and nonprofit organizations interested in making their properties more energy efficient can apply for grants from Fairfax County’s Energy Conservation Assistance Program. Reimbursable grants of up to $15,000 can be used for energy audits, solar panels, cool roofs, weatherization, occupancy sensors, smart thermostats, LED lightbulbs, HVAC upgrades, window replacements, energy-efficient appliances, and related … Continued
HOAs can apply for funds to install EV charging stations
Fairfax County is launching a pilot program to help homeowner and condominium associations install electric vehicle charging stations. HOAs that are accepted into the Charge Up Fairfax program will receive a site visit and assessment from an engineering firm, paid for by the county. If the HOA decides to proceed with the project, it would … Continued
Fairfax County gets an electric trash truck
Fairfax County is rolling out its first electric trash truck, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services announced Aug. 18. The truck will hold up to seven tons of recycling and up to 12 tons of trash. The public is invited to the official unveiling of the EV truck on Aug. 25, at 11 … Continued
Fairfax County is planning a ‘green bank’
Fairfax County is moving toward the establishment of a “green bank,” an entity that would facilitate the financing of clean energy projects. The green bank will boost the market for clean energy by providing the community with financial and technical assistance for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electric vehicle projects A bill passed by … Continued
Discounts on solar available through Aug. 31
Fairfax County is teaming up with the nonprofit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) on Solarize Virginia, a program that makes it easier and cheaper for homeowners to switch to solar. Homeowners who sign up by Aug. 31 receive a free assessment and quote from a vetted solar installer and a guaranteed discounted rate. Through … Continued
Sen. Marsden focuses on climate action
Virginia Sen. Dave Marsden (D-35) focused on climate and energy issues at an Earth Day-themed campaign event Sunday at Lake Accotink Park. Marsden, referred to by the other speakers as “Earth Dave,” lauded the Clean Economy Act, passed in 2020, which calls for Dominion Power to be carbon neutral by 2045. What needs to happen … Continued
Viewpoint: The county climate action plan
By Marie Reinsdorf The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is trying to get our attention. The panel tells us we have increased the earth’s atmospheric temperature by 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial age. We must cap that increase at 1.5 C to avert climate disasters that will “become so extreme that people … Continued
Dominion substation to be expanded
Dominion Energy is planning to upgrade and expand the Westcott Substation, located along the Holmes Run Stream Valley Trail between the Valley Brook and Broyhill Crest neighborhoods. Max Payeur and Andrew Tull of Dominion described the project at a meeting of the Mason District Land Use Committee on Feb. 28. The substation was built in … Continued
Supervisors propose taxi fuel surcharge
Taxi fares could increase, as the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is considering a $2 surcharge to make up for soaring gas prices. On July 7, the board authorized a public hearing to consider an emergency ordinance for a per-trip taxicab surcharge of up to $2. The ordinance would be in effect from June 29 … Continued