The Prince George’s County Council established The Prince George’s Climate Action Commission with Council Resolution CR-07-2020 to develop a Climate Action Plan for Prince George’s County to prepare for and build resilience to regional climate change impacts, and to set and achieve climate stabilization goals.
Southside Express Lanes (South Side project) Virginia VDOT wants to add two new high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in each direction along an 11-mile stretch of I-495 between I-395 in Fairfax County and Maryland Route 210 in Prince George’s County, crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge – Greater greater Washington, Spending money to go nowhere: Southside Express Lanes should be a Metro extension, David Edmondson (Contributor) August 20, 2025 I am against the "Southside Project," I live in Accokeek, Maryland. My home is 17 miles south on Indian Head Highway (210). I have lived in Accokeek, Maryland, since 2003. I am now retired. Before I retired, I worked in Fairfax Virginia, and commuted from Accokeek to Fairfax five days a week. I have spent a lot of time on Indian Head Highway and the beltway trying to get to work. I have come to know the traffic patterns well. “You don’t have to be a weatherman to know which way the wind is blowing.” I don’t have to be a traffic exp...
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Key aspects of the plan include:
• Emissions Reduction:
The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, aligning with state and regional goals.
• Climate Resilience:
The plan addresses the impacts of climate change —such as extreme heat, flooding, and severe storms —by integrating climate resilience into long-range planning and infrastructure development.
• Community Engagement:
The plan emphasizes a collaborative community engagement process with opportunities for public feedback and participation.
• Focus on Equity:
The plan incorporates environmental justice principles, recognizing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.
• Specific Recommendations:
The plan includes recommendations for various sectors, including transportation, buildings, land management, and waste management.
• Public Schools Involvement:
Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) has also developed a Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) with eight priority areas for action, such as reducing the carbon footprint of schools, promoting renewable energy, and improving food waste management.
Key implications for businesses and residents:
• Benchmarking and Building Performance Standards:
Large commercial and multifamily buildings will be required to track energy use and meet progressively stricter energy performance thresholds.
• Electrification of Building Systems:
Building owners may need to consider electrifying their heating and cooling systems to meet energy efficiency goals.
• Sustainable Practices:
The plan encourages sustainable land management, waste reduction, and the adoption of renewable energy sources.
• Climate Risk Awareness:
Residents are encouraged to become aware of climate risks and take steps to prepare for potential impacts.