Last night the Prince William Board of County Supervisors passed the very first climate resolution for Prince William County with a majority 5-3 vote. The resolution, which was introduced by Occoquan District Supervisor Boddye at last month’s Board meeting, marks the first time the Prince William County Board of Supervisors has set goals for climate action in the county.

Grassroot groups Mothers Out Front (MOF) Prince William County and the Greater Prince William Climate Action Network (GPWCAN) have led efforts for an equitable and just transition to 100% renewable energy in the county, as well as the creation of a climate action plan through the “Going Green and Clean” Campaign. As a result, the climate resolution approved at last night’s Board meeting was drafted with support from MOF, GPWCAN, Youth Climate Action PWC, and Active Prince William, and it represents the first step toward what the organizations hope will be a comprehensive plan that benefits all residents of Prince William County equally.

Of note in the resolution are the endorsements of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government goal of 50% greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030; a commitment to source 100% of Prince William County’s electricity from renewable sources by 2035, for Prince William County Government operations to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. The Board also pledges to incorporate equity principles and environmental justice into the Community Energy Master Plan as well as the entire Comprehensive Plan. The resolution sets a more ambitious renewable energy goal compared to the statewide one of a carbon-free electric grid by 2045.

“Passing the county’s first climate action resolution marks a good first step in prioritizing the health and safety for future generations of PWC residents.” said Sandy Holland, Mothers Out Front member. “As a PWC mother of young adults who were raised here in the county and may very well have families of their own here some day, this resolution represents the beginning of the legacy we leave for our youth”.

Josey Wease, PWC resident and GPWCAN member added: “As a young environmentalist, seeing the global impacts of climate change increasing every year can be daunting, but pushing for change within my community gives me hope for a greener future. This climate resolution is urgently needed and will allow our community to move forward in building resiliency to the upcoming challenges posed by the climate crisis. These goals will provide a set of standards to meet the needs of today without compromising the needs of tomorrow.”

Mothers Out Front will also host a webinar titled Let’s Talk Climate Action – A Community Conversation with Supervisor Boddye on December 7 at 7pm.