Arlington moving to cut greenhouse gasses

Published February 5, 2007 5:00am ET



Arlington County has taken the first steps in Board Chair Paul Ferguson’s ambitious plan to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The county has started a “Green Living Challenge,” a contest in which residents complete a series of actions designed to improve the environment, with prizes awarded to the most environmentally conscious residents later this year. Ferguson has said residents can participate in his Fresh AIRE plan by using compact fluorescent lights, recycling and by using public transportation or biking to cut down on use of cars.

“This is a fun, easy way for Arlingtonians to make a difference,” Ferguson said. “Each of us can take steps every day that cost little or no money, but can help reduce waste, save energy, cut costs and make our county a better place to live.”

At the start of this year, Ferguson announced an ambitious plan to lower emissions by 10 percent from 2000 levels within five years by giving tax breaks for hybrid cars, requiring that all public buildings be energy efficient and distributing energy-efficient light bulbs to Arlington residents, among other measures. His plan has been well-received by many in the county and by Democrats on Capitol Hill, who invited Ferguson to speak to the national media about his plan.

The county has also launched a blog at http://www.arlingtonclimateblog.com as a way to spread information on the Fresh AIRE plan.

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