3-5-2026
This month’s issue includes a Sustain Fairfax Tip of the Month; staying the course on climate action; environmental progress and priorities for 2026; highlights from the Countywide Annual Report; a Green Business Partners Spring Social; celebrating Women and Girls in Science; reflections from OEEC’s intern; new solar projects at county facilities; the Healthy Homes Fair; the Transportation Achievement Awards; a Walk and Win Challenge; a warning about flushing wipes; a reminder of the importance of recycling; free tree programs for residents and organizations; volunteering for invasive species management; a Trees Community of Practice spring meeting; an in-person Green Breakfast event; Flood Awareness Week, and much more!
TAKE ACTION
Sustain Fairfax Challenge Tip of the Month: Explore New Features on the Site
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What Is It? The Sustain Fairfax Challenge is an online platform that helps Fairfax County residents track, complete, and celebrate everyday climate- and energy-saving actions—individually and in groups—to reduce emissions, save money, and build a more sustainable community.
What Can You Do? You can sign up, choose climate-friendly actions that fit your life, complete or track them (including actions you already do), and earn points—on your own or with a Group—to see and share your impact.
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The Sustain Fairfax Challenge some exciting updates to make tracking and sharing your climate actions easier and more rewarding:
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Groups (formerly Teams): You can now create and join multiple Groups to take action with neighbors, coworkers, or community members. All former “teams” now appear as Groups on your dashboard. The group creation page has been simplified, and group pages now feature an easy-to-find invite link and clearer action stats, including “Actions in Progress.”
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Points for Actions You Already Do: When you mark an action as “I already do this,” you now earn 50% of the points for that action—so your existing good habits count toward your impact and totals!
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More Stars, Simpler Tracking: As you earn more points, you can now unlock up to five stars. Your action count is also streamlined to show the total number of actions you’ve completed, whether new or already in place.
Sign up today to explore the new features, start or join a Group, and see your impact grow.
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Flushing Wipes is Worsening Potomac River Spills During Regional Repairs
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What Is It? Unlike toilet paper and waste, wipes labeled as "flushable" do not break down. Sewer lines in Fairfax County are being clogged by these "flushable" wipes, reducing pipe capacity, worsening the existing strain on the wastewater system and complicating undergoing repairs.
What Can You Do? You can help protect the Potomac River with two simple actions — never flush "flushable" wipes (throw them in the trash) and only flush pee, poop and toilet paper.
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A major regional sewer line that carries wastewater from Fairfax County is currently undergoing emergency repairs, and residents are being asked to help reduce strain on the system.
 During recent maintenance work, wipes clogged several pumps along the line, reducing capacity and contributing to a wastewater overflow. Unlike toilet paper, most wipes, including those labeled “flushable,” do not break down in the sewer system. Residents can help protect the Potomac River and the regional wastewater system by following two simple actions:
- Flush only pee, poop and toilet paper.
- Throw all wipes in the trash.
Note: Fairfax Water customers are not affected by the recent Potomac Interceptor sewer line break because it occurred downstream of Fairfax Water’s Potomac River intake; as a result, Fairfax Water reports that drinking water quality and service remain unchanged. The Potomac Interceptor, owned and operated by DC Water, carries some Fairfax County sewage to the Blue Plains treatment facility; DC Water is posting the most current repair updates on its website. Although the spill has been contained, repairs will take weeks to months, and the Virginia Department of Health is advising residents to avoid recreational activities in the Potomac River until further notice.
CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Staying the Course on Climate Action in Fairfax County
John Morrill, Director, Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent repeal of the endangerment finding for greenhouse gases is deeply disappointing. For years, that finding has reflected what science and experience clearly show: climate change poses real risks to public health, infrastructure, and our national and local economies. Reversing it does not change the reality of more frequent extreme heat, heavier rain events, and coastal and inland flooding that we are already seeing in Fairfax County — nor does it lessen our responsibility to act.
Fairfax County’s climate commitments remain unchanged. Through implementation of the Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP), the Operational Energy Strategy, and Resilient Fairfax, we are continuing to cut emissions, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen resilience in ways that advance equity and improve quality of life for all.
Federal policy shifts may affect the national conversation, but they do not deter us from pursuing ambitious, science-based local action. We will stay focused on practical solutions — modernizing buildings, expanding clean energy, electrifying transportation, and supporting residents and businesses — so that Fairfax County becomes cleaner, healthier and more resilient for all who live, work and play here.
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Board of Supervisors Briefed on Environmental Progress and 2026 Climate Priorities
At a February meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Environmental Committee, OEEC provided an update on the Operational Energy Strategy and broader environmental progress, highlighting tangible gains made over the past year and priorities for 2026.
In 2025, the county launched the Fairfax Energy Compass program to support home energy improvements; added 8 all electric and 134 hybrid electric vehicles to the fleet; installed four new solar PV systems on county facilities; and delivered three new LEED certified public buildings. Environmental successes also include expanding the county’s tree canopy by hundreds of new trees and sustaining high quality wastewater treatment that protects the Chesapeake Bay.
Looking ahead to 2026, the briefing outlined key initiatives such as increasing resident participation in home energy programs, advancing solid waste and recycling reforms, and adopting countywide tree canopy standards that prioritize heat, flood, and storm resilience. Additional priorities include bringing the I-95 Landfill solar project online, improving public understanding of drinking water and wastewater systems, piloting monitoring-based commissioning to reduce energy costs in public facilities, and completing an invasive species assessment to guide tree and green space management.
Collectively, these efforts demonstrate how Fairfax County continues to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, lower operating costs, and improve the resilience of its public facilities and natural systems.
Sustainable Purchasing: Cutting Emissions Through Smarter Buying
 Both the Operational Energy Strategy and the Zero Waste plan identify sustainable purchasing — such as choosing energy efficient equipment, low carbon materials, and products with recycled content — as a key strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce waste.
A recent Scope 3 emissions analysis of the county and schools’ $1 billion supply chain found that indirect emissions from purchased goods, services, construction, and waste exceed direct emissions from buildings and vehicles, underscoring the importance of greener buying decisions.
Learn how Fairfax County is using this data to guide its sustainable procurement program and to explore opportunities for departments and suppliers to support a lower carbon, more responsible supply chain.
County Releases 2026 Annual Report Highlighting Progress on Community Priorities
 Fairfax County has released its 2026 Annual Report, highlighting key decisions and projects advanced by county leaders and agencies over the past year.
Published alongside the county executive’s FY 2027 Advertised Budget, the report is organized around the four drivers of the Countywide Strategic Plan—Equity, Data Integration, Community Outcomes, and Inclusive Engagement—and showcases progress in 10 “community outcome” areas.
Check out these 10 highlights — including the growth of the Green Business Partners program — from the full report that show how the county is working thoughtfully to improve quality of life while supporting its most vulnerable residents.
Save the Date: Green Business Partners Social in April
Fairfax County businesses are invited to join us for a Green Business Partners networking breakfast. This opportunity to connect and learn from peers about sustainable business practices across Fairfax County is planned for April 9, 2026, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at First Watch, Fair Lakes.
Fairfax County’s Green Business Partners program recognizes and supports businesses actively engaging in or interested in sustainable business practices that advance climate action and help create a carbon neutral economy. The program has three different levels of participation: Leaders, Members and Allies
More details and registration for the April Green Business Partners Social coming soon!
OEEC Director Featured at 50th Climate Conversation Event
 In case you missed it: OEEC Director John Morrill was a featured panelist at a special event to mark the 50th installment of the Climate Conversation series at the National Academies. Nearly 500 people listened online or in person to hear about climate mitigation and resilience efforts in the Greater Washington region, as well as best practices in science communications. A recording of the event is now available.
Celebrating Women and Girls in Science: Wisdom from Our Climate Team
 Science has the power to shape a better, more sustainable future for everyone — and women and girls are at the heart of driving innovation and making progress happen.
To recognize International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, some of the amazing women on OEEC’s staff reflected on their career journeys and the wisdom they’ve gained along the way.
Finding Voice in Climate Action: Reflections on OEEC Internship
 What does climate action look like from inside county government? In a new Climate Matters blog post, George Mason University graduate Jane Holloman reflects on her eight months as an intern with OEEC.
From translating complex climate topics into clear messages to seeing communication theory applied in real time, Jane shares how thoughtful outreach supports a more sustainable, resilient Fairfax County.
EQAC Seeks High School Student Member for 2026–2027 Term
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The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is seeking a high school student to serve as a member of the council for the July 2026–June 2027 term, and applications are now open through April 12, 2026.
EQAC advises the Board of Supervisors on ways to improve environmental protection and enhancement in Fairfax County, including preparing an annual report on the state of the physical environment. The council also administers the Environmental Excellence Awards, which recognize individuals, organizations, businesses, and county employees for advancing the county’s environmental goals and policies.
The student position is open to all current high school sophomores and juniors in good standing who live in Fairfax County (excluding the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church), including those in public, private, parochial, and homeschool settings. To apply, students must complete and submit the online student application form by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
Board Approves Solar Leases at Two County Facilities
 The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently approved leasing rooftop space at two county properties for solar photovoltaic installations: the future Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center in the City of Fairfax and The Commons Mount Vernon on Richmond Highway.
Under Fairfax County’s existing solar power purchase agreement (PPA) with Sun Tribe Solar, the company will design, install, operate, and maintain the solar panels and sell the electricity to the county at a fixed rate over an expected 25-year term, enabling on-site renewable energy with little or no upfront county cost.
These projects support the county’s Operational Energy Strategy goals — including carbon-neutral operations by 2040 and increased renewable energy generation — while providing long-term electricity cost savings (estimated at $377,000 over the contract term) and advancing equitable access to climate-friendly buildings.
Future is Bright for Fairfax Crest Affordable Housing Development
 Not an actual image, rendering of completed project. Development will include solar panels.
Solar panels were recently delivered to Fairfax Crest, the new 290-unit affordable housing community under construction on parking lots G and H at the Government Center Complex.
Fairfax Crest will offer a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units and is designed with sustainability in mind, including rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, and EarthCraft Gold certification for energy efficiency.
Join Us at Electrify DC’s Healthy Homes Fair in March
 Join OEEC at Electrify DC’s Healthy Homes Fair on March 21 at Catholic University — a free, family-friendly expo showcasing clean energy products, services, and hands-on workshops for homeowners, renters, and professionals.
Explore an appliance “petting zoo,” induction cooking demos, e-bike and EV test rides, family activities, food trucks, and more, plus one-on-one coaching with electrification experts. Policymakers and regulators are also invited to attend the companion Power Shift: DER Showcase, focused on building a more resilient, affordable energy grid.
Register to attend or sign up to volunteer.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Step Into Spring: Join the 2026 Fairfax County Walk & Win Challenge
The 2026 Fairfax County Walk & Win Challenge returns this spring, inviting residents, employees, and visitors to get moving, explore their community, and win prizes — just by walking. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is also offering two bonus chances to win!
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Feb 15 – March 30: Take the Walk & Win Pledge and be entered to win in the pledge bonus prize drawing!
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April 1: Walk on National Walking Day or join a community walk be entered into the National Walking Day bonus drawing.
Winter Bike to Work Day Rescheduled to March 13
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has rescheduled its 2026 Winter Bike to Work Day pit stops to Friday, March 13, from 7:30–9:30 a.m. The pit stop locations are:
- The Bike Lane, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Reston
- The Mount Vernon Trail at Belle Haven Park, 6401 George Washington Memorial Parkway, Alexandria
Join FCDOT’s Active Transportation Program staff for donuts and bicycle safety giveaways as they celebrate winter commuting in the DMV!
County Celebrates New Pedestrian Connection to Innovation Center Metrorail Station
Local elected officials, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation and other partner county agencies recently cut the ribbon to officially open a new shared use path connecting several Herndon neighborhoods to the Innovation Center Metrorail Station on the Silver Line.
The Innovation Station North Neighborhood Access project features a 1,459-foot shared use path and two pedestrian bridges — one of which is the longest pedestrian bridge in Fairfax County — providing a direct connection between the Metro station and nearby residential neighborhoods. This new trail decreases what once was a 2-3 mile walk or bike ride to just half a mile for residents. For more information on the project, visit the Innovation Station North Neighborhood Access project.
Fairfax County Seeks Feedback on Walking and Biking Infrastructure Priorities
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has developed a preliminary list of potential active transportation projects, such as crosswalk improvements and new sidewalks, and is seeking community input to prioritize which projects should receive funding.
Members of the public are encouraged to review the preliminary list of potential projects for their districts and share feedback by participating in an online survey. Survey submissions are due by 4:30 p.m., on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Additionally, FCDOT will host two virtual community meetings on March 11 and March 12 to review the methodology and criteria used to select eligible projects and to gather input from residents on local priorities.
District project lists, maps and surveys and meeting information can be found on Active Transportation Prioritization webpage.
WASTE REDUCTION
This March, Take a Fresh Look!
Submitted by Clean Fairfax
March is the month when spring begins to take hold…finally! Daylight savings time is coming right up on March 8th, and the spring equinox ushers in the meteorological start of spring on March 20th. Meanwhile, Global Recycling Day on March 18th and World Water Day on March 22nd give us a chance to tune in to how we use and care for our resources. At Clean Fairfax, we think that recycling should be seen as a safety net rather than an upfront strategy. We do best when we:
- Refuse unnecessary products
- Reduce the amount of “stuff” we buy
- Reuse, repurpose, and repair what does enter our lives
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Then Recycle the materials so that they can be remade into useful goods.
Every item we avoid using is one less piece of trash that could become litter in our neighborhoods, natural areas, and waterways. So, take a fresh look this month at ways that you can support a healthier, lower waste world. Bring your reusable bags with you wherever you shop. Fill and refill your reusable water bottles and coffee cups. Shop secondhand and fix stuff when it breaks. Post your small wins and tag @cleanfairfax!
EnviroPod: Benefits of the County Leaf Vacuum Program
In the latest edition of EnviroPod, host Bob DeMarco spoke with Duane Wright and Shonpaul Truss from the Solid Waste Management Program about Fairfax County’s successful leaf vacuum program, a service provided to more than 21,000 county customers.
The conversation highlighted the environmental benefits of the program, including keeping storm drains clear. Collected leaves are composted, resulting in high-quality mulch that county residents can get for free at Solid Waste facilities.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Free Trees for Fairfax County Residents and Community Organizations
Fairfax County is expanding opportunities to grow our urban forest with two free tree programs.
Community-based organizations can apply to receive professionally grown, landscape-quality, regionally native trees (1.5–2.0 inches in caliper, 8–10 feet tall, 130–150 pounds each) for planting on private property. All community organizations are encouraged to apply, with priority given to those located in or near Vulnerability Index areas. Learn More about the Tree Distribution Program for Community Organizations.
Fairfax County residents can also sign up to receive up to two free trees shipped directly to their homes through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. Participants can choose from species selected for our local environment, and each shipment includes tree shelters and stakes to support healthy establishment. Supplies are limited and available on a first come, first served basis — claim your free trees and help grow Fairfax County’s tree canopy.
Protecting Trees During Construction
Fairfax County Land Development Services has published guidance to help property owners, contractors, and design professionals understand how construction on one property can affect trees on an adjoining property.
Excavation, grading, and equipment activity near property lines can damage root systems that often extend well beyond the trunk, creating long-term decline or failure of otherwise healthy trees.
The guidance encourages early communication between neighbors, review of approved development plans, and use of certified arborists to evaluate potential impacts and recommend practical protection measures such as root zone barriers, adjusted grading limits, and monitoring during construction.
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Celebrate 20 Years of the Invasive Plant Management Program and Help Shape Its Future
In a milestone year for the Fairfax County Park Authority, the agency is celebrating its 75th Anniversary and the 20th Anniversary of the Invasive Management Area Volunteer Program.
The IMA Volunteer Program trains and empowers community volunteers to restore parklands, protect wildlife habitats and remove invasive plants that threaten Fairfax County’s forests, meadows and waterways. What began in 2006 as a community-based effort has grown into one of the region’s most impactful, volunteer-driven conservation programs — a powerful example of community-powered stewardship in action.
The community is invited to become part of the movement! Get outdoors and meet new friends with hands-on volunteer opportunities at parks across the county. Volunteer opportunities range from 90 minutes to three hours, and anyone 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Longer term commitments are also available.
“Grow Local” is Focus of March In-Person Green Breakfast
 How can Fairfax County and Fairfax City ensure everyone has enough to eat—and what role can local food production play? Join Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District Urban Agriculture Specialist Stacey Evers and Fairfax County Health in All Policies Manager Anna Ricklin on March 14 as they discuss county policies and share recommendations to make it easier for residents to grow food for themselves, for donation, or for sale.
This Green Breakfast is in-person at Ornery Beer Company, 3950 University Drive in Fairfax, and includes breakfast! Registration is requested. The cost will be $15, payable in cash at the door.
Miss the last Green Breakfast? View the recording of the January 2026 Green Breakfast with Julie Bolthouse of the Piedmont Environmental Council.
Save the Date: Spring 2026 Trees Community of Practice Meeting
 Mark your calendar for Fairfax County’s Spring 2026 Trees Community of Practice on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 2–4 p.m. This virtual Zoom meeting will feature presentations and updates on tree preservation, planting, and care across the county. The Zoom link will be posted on the Tree Commission webpage and emailed to registrants three days before the meeting.
Make plans to join and connect with peers, learn about current initiatives, and share ideas to support a healthier urban forest in Fairfax County.
CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCY
Staying Ahead of the Storm for Virginia’s Flood Awareness Week
Did you know flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States? You can stay ahead of the storm by learning about your flood risk and how you can be prepared during Virginia’s Flood Awareness Week, March 8-14.
Here are some actions you can take to be more flood aware:
- Know your risk, prepare an emergency kit, and formulate a plan in the event of an emergency.
- Find out if you live in a flood plain or other flood prone area using the Virginia Flood Risk Information System.
- Do not drive through flooded roads. Turn Around Don’t Drown.
- Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. People living in low-lying areas, near water or downstream from a dam are at particular risk.
- One inch of water in a home can cause $25,000 in damage.
- Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover damage from floods.
- If you have a flood insurance policy, consider adding coverage for your home’s contents – typically, flood insurance policies cover only the structure.
- A new flood insurance policy takes 30 days to go into effect. It’s important to purchase coverage well in advance of a disaster.
Learn more about how you can be prepared for flooding and what steps you can take to reduce your risk of flooding by watching a webinar featuring local experts from Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria.
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Don't Be the Last to Know: More Environmental, Climate, and Energy News Online
The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's monthly "Environmental, Climate, and Energy" e-newsletter is dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate action plans, programs and policies. To see past issues of this newsletter, visit our website!
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