Summit Focuses on Role of Local Governments in Energy Policy

By Charity Corkey (Contact)

Sunday, November 16, 2008

About 100 people attended Sustainable Loudoun’s third annual Energy Summit Friday evening in Ashburn.

The focus of the event was how local governments can address environmental and energy issues. A representative from the Sierra Club, Delegate David Poisson (D-32nd District), members of the Loudoun County government and several others were on hand to discuss the concrete ways that localities can reduce energy use.

“We’re [the county] going through three things: an energy crisis, an environmental crisis and an economic crisis,” said Tony Noerpel, the founder of Sustainable Loudoun. “These are global issues, so what can do we do at the local level? That’s what we’re here to explore.”

Najib Salehi, Loudoun County’s energy manager, spoke about the recent progress the county has made in energy efficiency.

During October, national energy awareness month, the county dedicated each week to a different energy-saving idea, such as turning off the lights when not in use. Additionally, Loudoun County employees were asked to submit energy efficiency ideas, some of which included turning off the county’s vending machine advertisement lights and shutting off work computers for the weekend.

“If you turn off your computer over the weekend, you save $86 per computer,” Salehi told the audience.

Salehi also said the county plans to increase teleworking as part of its energy efficiency initiative.

Supervisor Andrea C. McGimsey (D-Potomac), chair of the county’s energy committee, talked about the need for developing an energy blueprint for the future, which would include public transportation in Loudoun.

“We think the rail is coming in 2015,” McGimsey said. “Once it gets into phase two, then all the stations will be built simultaneously, so it might even be earlier than 2015.”

McGimsey said the Board of Supervisors recently paid $6,000 to join Climate Communities, a national coalition of cities and counties that educates federal policymakers about how local governments can help address climate change. The group is currently putting together a plan to pitch to the 111th Congress and President-Elect Barack Obama. Loudoun, along with other Climate Communities, is scheduled to speak with the presidential team in February.

McGimsey also petitioned those attending for their help.

“All of this is leading to a higher quality of life,” she said. “Organize neighborhood groups and HOAs; call editors and ask for more coverage. We need your good ideas.”

Tagged: Board of Supervisors, environment, Loudoun County government

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