November 2019 Great Falls Group Cascade
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The Great Falls Group (GFG) has had a dynamic fall so far! We've interviewed and endorsed political candidates, worked on the Community-Wide Energy and Climate Action Plan, been involved in local land use issues, and co-hosted Volunteer Action nights to move ahead on critical green campaigns. Our membership is growing but there's still a crucial need for more members to get involved in these activities. A good way is to subscribe to GFG's weekly email of environmental events that are happening in our area. Even a couple of hours can make a difference. Also, plan on meeting old and new friends at the December Holiday Party (details below).
More Detail
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Significant Events Calendar
Nov 5
- 2019 Local Elections
Nov 16 -
2nd Annual Mount Vernon District Environment Expo
Nov 19
-
Volunteer Action Night for the Environment (Fairfax)
Nov 20
- GFG Executive Committee Candidate statements due
Dec
9
- Sierra Club Great Falls Group Holiday Party
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Community-Wide Energy and Climate Action Plan
The Community-Wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP), to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the private sector, is moving forward with the identification of the Task Force and Focus Group members. GFG is actively involved in participating in this process with members on most CECAP groups, and is beginning to form support groups around our members in the CECAP process.
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Update on Virginia’s Residential Energy Code
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The International Code Council develops model construction codes the states consider for adoption. This year’s endeavor led to an agreement with the state home builders to require that construction of new houses conform to the model code’s rigorous mechanical blower door test. Another positive development is that Virginia’s current watered-down adoption of the alternative compliance model known as ResCheck will be changed to match the model’s standards. Once these new requirements are effective under the code, Virginia’s home builders will be required to use the tools necessary for rating the energy requirements of houses they build using the Home Energy Rating System (HERS).
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Volunteer Action Night for the Environment (Oakton)
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WHEN:
Tuesday, November 19, 7-9 pm
DETAILS:
Join us in working to combat climate change and global warming. Activities include fighting oil and gas pipelines in Virginia, confronting Loudoun data centers energy impact, and influencing Fairfax and Loudoun Counties’ energy future. Come be part of the solutions!
RSVP
CONTACT:
Susan Bonney
SPONSOR: Sierra Club/Great Falls Group
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Loudoun County Data Centers
Source: GCN
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Holiday Party Potluck – Sierra Club Great Falls Group
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WHEN:
Monday, December 9, 6 - 9 pm. Food served at 6:30 pm.
PROGRAM:
Enjoy
great food and drink and socialize with like-minded people. Please bring a dish to share and a card/paper sign with dish name and ingredients.
SPONSOR:
Sierra Club/Great Falls Group
We need volunteers!
- Holiday planning committee
- Setting up the decorations
- Organize what people are bringing
Please contact
Robin Olsen
if you would like to volunteer to help with the party, or have suggestions.
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Walking Tour of Inova Center for Personalized Health in Merrifield
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Sierra Club Great Falls Group and other community advocates helped plan and lead a walking tour of the Inova Center for Personalized Health (ICPH) property on October 17, discussing development plans and conservation opportunities for the remaining forested areas of this property. Forty-six people participated in the walk, including residents and civic leaders in the Holmes Run watershed, Providence District Planning Commissioner Phillip Niedzielski-Eichner, and staff for local, state and federal elected leaders.
SPONSORS:
Friends of Accotink Creek, Friends of Holmes Run, Sierra Club Great Falls Group, the Coalition for Smarter Growth and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters Education Fund
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Photo credit: Kris Unger, Friends of Holmes Run
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Opening in Our Team to Stop the Pipelines!
The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter has an opening on our team to support our campaign to Stop the Pipelines! Please see the job description below and share it with your networks, and anyone you think might be interested in an opportunity to work with us on advancing climate action and support powerful communities to oppose fracked gas pipelines. We appreciate y
our help circulating this new employment opportunity. Please direct your questions to the hiring manager,
Kelsey Crane
.
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Letter to Senators Kaine and Warner
If you want to help us in the battle against the pipelines, please fill out this letter to Senators Kaine and Warner asking them to oppose the pipelines by telling FERC to suspend the Mountain Valley Pipeline certificate.
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Great Falls Group Excom Elections
The Great Falls Group is a local Sierra Club group within the Club’s Virginia Chapter. It is governed by a volunteer leadership group, the Executive Committee (Ex Com).
If you are interested in running for the Ex Com and finding out more about GFG please review the following article.
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2nd Annual Mount Vernon District Environment Expo
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WHEN:
Saturday, November 16, 8 am - noon
DETAILS:
Hosted by Supervisor Dan Storck, this event will educate and inform local residents on environmental challenges that we face on a daily basis. Some of these challenges are unique to the Mount Vernon area given our proximity to water and the many industrial facilities nearby. Attendees will leave the Expo with simple actions they can take to make an impact on climate change. Highlights include an Electric Vehicle Showcase, Exhibit Hall, Workshops and Film Screening
If you are interested in tabling at this event, please see
Norbert
.
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Ways to Stay in Touch with GFG
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Send comments or questions to the
editor
.
Thank you!
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