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Arlington County adopted its long-awaited Climate Resolution on Saturday, committing to a countywide response as supporters warned that federal backing for climate initiatives may be declining.
The resolution calls for a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-community” effort to accelerate progress toward Arlington’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. It also emphasizes policies designed to be just and equitable.
Elenor Hodges, executive director of EcoAction Arlington, described the measure as an important local response to the climate crisis. She said it could help Arlington address the causes of climate change while pursuing solutions intended to secure a livable future.
Speakers and board members stressed that adoption is only the beginning. Successful implementation will require climate considerations to be incorporated into county planning and budgeting, along with action from residents. Board members pointed to steps such as weather-stripping homes and installing solar panels.
Gary Usrey of the Virginia chapter of Elders Climate Action said the resolution’s broad approach offers the right strategy for integrating climate resilience, mitigation and adaptation throughout county government.
Several board members praised Jennifer Fioretti, Arlington’s assistant county manager for climate policy, for guiding the resolution and developing its metrics and action items. They expressed confidence that she would follow through on the work.
The measure arrives amid growing uncertainty about federal climate policy and funding. Speakers said Arlington must continue its efforts regardless of changes in Washington because climate change will not pause if federal support disappears.
Students also played a visible role in the meeting. Julie Rosenberg, who leads the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions Arlington Hub, applauded local students for organizing clubs focused on environmental problems.
Helen Hass, who has worked with Students for Climate Action to promote food-scrap composting in school cafeterias, said she initially doubted whether a new climate club at her school would attract much interest. Instead, she found students eager to participate and work toward a more sustainable future.
Board member J.D. Spain welcomed the involvement of Arlington Public Schools and community organizations but cautioned that some voices were missing from the hearing. Comparing environmental justice to civil rights, he cited Flint, Michigan, and Louisiana’s Cancer Alley as examples of places where underrepresented communities have suffered disproportionately from weak environmental policies.
Not everyone at the meeting viewed the county’s environmental record favorably. Audrey Clement accused Arlington of “greenwashing,” citing a reduction in tree canopy over the past two decades and the removal of more than 1,000 trees from public property.
Clement also criticized the county over its Expanded Housing Option zoning ordinance, which was adopted in 2023 and overturned in 2024 on environmental grounds. She noted that Arlington is appealing the ruling that it violated state law by failing to study the ordinance’s environmental effects.