Fairfax County is observing September 2026 as National Preparedness Month, urging residents to prepare for potential emergencies while simultaneously advancing a wide array of environmental and energy initiatives aimed at building a more sustainable and resilient community. The county's efforts span from enhancing emergency readiness to promoting clean energy, sustainable transportation, and robust natural resource management.
Residents are encouraged to take simple steps to be ready for hazards such as severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, winter storms, extreme heat, and hurricane season remnants. This includes understanding risks, creating a family emergency plan, and building a supply kit for at least three days. The county's AC Rescue program recently assisted its 100th household with emergency air-conditioning replacement or repair, providing crucial support during extreme summer heat and underscoring the importance of climate resilience. Additionally, a new Urban Heat Island Mapping Project, a community science study, is identifying the hottest neighborhoods in Northern Virginia to guide future investments in cooling infrastructure and green spaces.
Leadership in environmental efforts is also evolving with Rob Sandoli taking the helm as the new director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC). Sandoli aims to accelerate progress toward emissions-reduction and climate adaptation goals, navigate challenges like data center development, and expand access to energy efficiency and clean energy solutions. The county has also restructured its environmental advisory bodies, dissolving the Tree Commission and the Environmental Quality Advisory Council to form a new 15-member Environmental Commission, enhancing efficiency and consolidating efforts.
Fairfax County is actively promoting energy efficiency and sustainable practices. The Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) has approved over $245,000 in grants for 38 energy projects, representing more than $1.2 million in improvements across community facilities. Residents can also participate in the Switch Together program, extended until November 18, 2026, to access discounted rooftop solar, home battery storage, and EV chargers. In transportation, the Fairfax Connector fleet has added 19 new hybrid-electric buses, with 36 more expected, which FCDOT Transit Division Chief Dwayne Pelfrey said "are expected to provide approximately 25% fuel savings and a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions." The county also launched TRIP100, offering a 100% fare discount on Fairfax Connector bus service for qualified residents, and is celebrating National Drive Electric Month.
Further initiatives include the Board of Supervisors' approval of "Resilient Trees" amendments, which update the county's guide to prioritize climate-ready species and expand the list to 114 tree species, supported by free tree distribution programs for residents and community groups. The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has also issued a Request for Expressions of Interest to gather innovative ideas for advancing waste diversion and zero waste goals, while Clean Fairfax is offering reusable party kits to reduce single-use waste. These comprehensive efforts demonstrate Fairfax County's commitment to fostering a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for its residents.