Protect Our Environment

For our public health and our everyday quality of life, Walter has worked to uphold Arlington’s values in achieving sustainability, including:

• Promoting our Fresh AIRE (Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions) program, which uses incentives and partnerships by County government, businesses, nonprofits and residents to reduce energy consumption, recycle materials and promote education and awareness.
• Supporting Arlington’s emphasis on alternative-fuel vehicles, and our comprehensive household recycling programs, to reduce our carbon footprint and landfill consumption
• Endorsing Arlington’s development philosophy of ‘smart growth,’ which features compact, mixed-use development that promotes walking and biking, while allowing for transit and other vehicle trips.  Coupled with our LEED green building incentives, the Urban Forestry Master Plan and coordinated open space planning, our built environment better preserves our natural environment and public health
• Voting to provide more than $1 million in initial funds for storm water management activities, coupled with ongoing resources to support our Chesapeake Bay ordinance and other water protection programs
• Highlighting Arlington's partnership with the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, which promotes protection of our open space through voluntary easements, invasive plant species removal and other community activities
• Educating our youth and immigrant population in Arlington and the region on environmental awareness, from recycling to energy conservation, through public forums and workshops

Walter will continue to support innovative initiatives that protect our environment and promote energy efficiency, such as Arlington’s Community Energy Plan. He will continue to look for guidance from and working partnerships with environmental groups such as Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, Sierra Club Mt. Vernon Group, and others.