Welcome and thanks for your interest

Thank you for writing in with your comments about the Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions, Fresh AIRE. Global warming is a serious international problem that is worsening air quality, increasing the frequency of damaging storms, and causing erosion in coastal areas. Although the federal government has done little about this problem and has actually hindered international efforts, many localities and states have voluntarily agreed to their own emissions reduction program. On January 1, 2007, Arlington became one of those jurisdictions to have an emissions reduction plan. The details are provided on our website, www.arlingtonva.us/climate. 

Many Arlington residents, businesses and organizations are already doing their part to save energy and reduce greenhouse emissions -- and I have learned a great deal from the efforts and expertise. In addition, I have heard great stories from people throughout our region and the country.

The Arlington County Government wants to lead by example and has provided details of what we're doing as an organization, along with suggestions about what we can do as individuals. This blog is an opportunity for you to tell us what you have done and what you think. I believe we will learn a great deal from each other and further our goals to reduce emissions. In addition to the environmental benefits, investments in energy efficiency help save us money. Saving money and doing our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions makes sense. I recently had an energy audit at my home and am redoubling my efforts to use transit and walk when possible. (More on that in a later posting.)

With the change in leadership on Capitol Hill, combating global warming is now a top priority. I am hopeful President Bush will back his words with actions and also start working on this issue. In addition, there is a potential for many other localities and states to put forward an emissions reduction plan. Although the challenge is huge, if governments, businesses, and individuals make this a priority, I believe the problems created by global warming can be solved or greatly mitigated.

The demands of my job will not allow me to respond to all the blog comments, but I promise to read all of your postings. I will try to write and give my thoughts from time to time. Thanks again for your interest and for sharing what you are doing on this issue.

Paul Ferguson
Chairman, Arlington County  Board

Comments

[Richard Rebh]

I am a Board member at the 525 unit Belvedere condominium on North Oak. I am trying to get the Board to consider a green roof for our facility, but they are conservative and fear the uncertainties of doing something that no one else has done in Arlington. Is there someone at the County who can express the County's view on this issue? A green roof would reduce our carbon footprint, reduce storm runoff, save us energy, and be a beautiful image to anyone flying in to land at National Airport. Can I ask your help in lobbying my fellow Board members for a project that is tailor made for your initiative?

[Howard McBride]

In looking for suggestions for energy efficiency, I have found little talk about LED lighting. At the current time, sources are limited for LED home lighting, but they are available, and demand will increase availability and decrease cost.

Arlington uses a large number of LED lights for their traffic signals which have helped maintain or lower electric utility cost for the system.

The use of LEDs in household general lighting at this time may not be very practical due to the cost of the bulbs, but for locations where light may be desired for a greater amount of time, or for mood lighting they should be investigated as an alternative light source.
(Another advantage is that if one diode goes out the light still functions which is another reason for using in traffic lights)

[Wilma Bradbeeer]

Among my personal actions to save energy are three that are no trouble at all to me, but probably would not be adopted by many folks:

(1) I do not use or miss a dishwasher
(2) I do not use or miss a clothesdrier, preferring to dry our laundry in the sun and the wind on fine days and in the sunroom in bad weather.
(3) I do not eat red meat, the modern production of which, as you may know, is a huge consumer of energy and polluter of water and air.

[Steven McCollom]

I stand firmly in favor of Chairman Ferguson's initiative, with one exception. We all know that our tax codes are riddled with exemptions, exceptions, loopholes, and special treatment. Proposing a property tax break for hybrid car owners (on top of their Federal tax credit) is unnecessary - and the resulting tax increase for "standard" economy cars and motorcycles is just wrong.