April 2020 Great Falls Group Cascade
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The coronavirus is rapidly changing the world we live in, and GFG is adapting to this change—just like people and nature need to adapt to the effects of climate change. We’re rising to this challenge to continue our fight to protect the environment.
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Significant Events Calendar
Many events have been postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus. See the link below for more details. See Covid-19 resources at the end of the newsletter.
Apr. 13
- Community Webinar on the Virginia Natural Gas Header Improvement Project
Apr. 17, 18 - Native Seedling sale -
canceled
Apr. 22
- Earth Day
Apr. 22
- Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup, Tyson's Corner -
canceled
Apr. 27
-
Virtual Community Workshop on Transportation in Northern Virginia
Apr. 28
- Deadline - Submit public comments opposing the Virginia Natural Gas Header Improvement Project
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Proposed Partnership with Loudoun County High School Environmental Clubs
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Since Loudoun County public schools have been shut down for the school year, GFG is still trying to accomplish this activity with a video conference presentation, possibly on data centers.
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The second Task Force meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, However, due to the coronavirus epidemic that meeting has been canceled. Likewise, the Dranesville Focus Group meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2020 has been canceled.
A new timeline and process has been developed to continue work as the coronavirus runs its course over the next few months.
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Tell VDOT That Beltway Plans Must Include Transit
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The Virginia Department of Transportation is planning to extend the 495 High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes from their current endpoint near Tysons Corner to the George Washington Memorial Parkway, near the American Legion Bridge. Transit is essential both to relieving congestion on the Beltway and to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but it’s distinctly missing from VDOT’s plans. VDOT is taking public comments and now is the time to weigh in!
Photo Credit: Dan Malouff, Beyond DC
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12-Point Action Plan
The Great Falls Group continues its strong commitment to advocating for energy and climate policies that will reduce energy use and encourage clean energy sources. One tool we have used to make clear our local policy priorities is our 12-Point Energy & Climate Action Plan for Fairfax County.
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Environmental Issue Chairs Needed
Sierra Club needs your help in working on several environmental issues. This is your chance to help the environment in your local area on an issue that you have an interest in. Possibilities include legal questions, climate, environmental justice, outings, public health, and more.
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April 22, 2020 will be the
50
th
anniversary of Earth Day
.
Due to the coronavirus, many events are canceled or in a state of flux as to whether they will be held. GFG is still planning on having a highway cleanup on April 22 to celebrate this special day. Please see the article in this Cascade with details of the event.
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Image source: Earthday.org
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Save the Date: Virtual Community Workshop on Transportation in Northern Virginia
WHEN:
Monday, April 27, 2020, 7:30-9:00 pm
WHERE: Online webinar.
DETAILS: The General Assembly passed momentous legislation for transportation and transit in 2020. Mark your calendars for this webinar that discusses the impact of the legislation and opportunities to move clean transportation forward in northern Virginia.
SPONSOR: Virginia Sierra Club
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Opposing the Virginia Natural Gas Header Improvement Project
The Virginia Natural Gas Header Improvement Project will add 9.5 miles of pipeline that will cut across through Prince William and Fauquier counties. It’ll also affect central Virginia with a 14 mile long pipeline crossing through New Kent, Hanover, and Charles City County. On top of that a new compressor station is proposed for PW county and these facilities not only emit greenhouse gases but also emit 70 pollutants with most linked to negative human health effects.
Community Webinar
Monday, April 13, 2020, 7:00-8:00 pm
WHERE: Online via your computer,
RSVP
SPONSOR: Food and Water Action, Sierra Club Great Falls Group
Submit public comments by April 28, 2020
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Proposed Zoning Changes Need your Attention
There is concern over relaxing zoning requirements in rural areas which may allow large commercial operations in previously protected areas. We need your input to local representatives.
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GFG Seeks Writers for Letters to the Editor
Great Falls Group wants to increase support for local environmental issues via letters to the editor (LTEs). We’re forming an LTE working group. For more information, contact
Linda Brown
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D.C. Environmental Film Festival March 12-22
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Contact
Norbert
to attend a virtual wrap-up session to share your film viewing experiences. As of April 1st the films were still available.
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Vote for the Sierra Club Board of Directors by April 22
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Voting is quick and easy:
Cast your vote for up to five Board of Directors candidates. The backgrounds of the candidates are inspiring. You will need your Sequence A and B numbers, see below.
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Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup on the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day -
CANCELED
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WHEN: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 9-11am
WHERE: Jones Branch Drive between Westpark Drive and International Drive, Tysons Corner, VA
DETAILS: We will keep six feet apart as participants in the Sierra Club/Great Falls Group's exercise to pick up litter and debris on 1.32 miles of Jones Branch Drive at Tysons Corner (home of McLean Hilton).
Check with Patricia to find out about future events, TBD.
CONTACT:
Patricia Leslie
at 202-316-0584 or email her at the link given with "AAHiway" in subject line
SPONSOR: Sierra Club/Great Falls Group
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Native Seedling
Sale -
CANCELED
WHEN
: Seedling packages for native trees and shrubs will be available for pickup in April.
DESCRIPTION
: This annual seedling sale by Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District makes low-cost bare-root native shrub and tree seedlings available to Northern Virginia residents.
They are sold out for this year, but
often have extra seedlings for sale on the pick-up days (April 17 and 18)
. If the seedlings you want are available, they will be sold for $2 a "stem" on a first-come, first-served basis.
SPONSOR
: Fairfax County
Trees and shrubs help cleanse water, prevent soil erosion, provide habitat, cool our climate, and clean our air, according to the Conservation District. They suggest that you consider adding native trees and shrubs to your community today!
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Volunteer Action Night for the Environment (Fairfax) March 11
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The Great Falls Group Executive Committee is grateful to have had several knowledgeable subject matter experts present at the March 11, 2020 Volunteer Night at Providence Community Center.
Activities included a campaign to confront the energy challenges posed by Loudoun County's massive data centers, and fighting oil and gas pipelines in Virginia.
Volunteer Action night for April 15 has been canceled.
Watch for news about future events!
SPONSOR:
Sierra Club/Great Falls Group
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Climate Strike Webinar March 26
Here is information about the climate strike webinar held March 26:
Climate Strike Update Webinar -
Fighting for Health, People, and the Planet During Covid-19.
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Covid-19 Resources
Irene Haske, Information Officer, Director’s Office. Fairfax County Public Works, sent us a link with information about the use of wipes - they cannot be flushed nomatter what the package label says, and if so, could lead to serious plumbing problems.
Other Resources:
Here's a video from a frontline doctor in NYC. It gives detailed information on how coronavirus is transmitted, symptoms and when to seek help, how to protect yourself and your family. It is long, but reassuring.
https://vimeo.com/399733860
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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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