County residents may not be familiar with the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), but many are already benefiting from its work — through more comfortable, energy efficient homes, cleaner air and expanded climate friendly transportation options. 

In a recent episode of the County Conversation podcast, OEEC Director John Morrill explains how the office was created in 2019 to coordinate the county’s major climate and energy efforts. He highlights key plans, including the Communitywide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP), Operational Energy Strategy, and Resilient Fairfax, and notes that communitywide greenhouse gas emissions are already down 28% from 2005 levels. 

Morrill also discusses several OEEC programs that directly serve residents, businesses, and nonprofits, such as Fairfax Energy Compass, Charge Up Fairfax, and the Sustain Fairfax Challenge, all designed to help people save energy, reduce costs and build a more sustainable and resilient community. He also highlights the AC Rescue program, which provides free air conditioning units and repairs to residents who don’t have a way to cool their home. As local summers become “warmer, wetter, and weirder,” AC Rescue is helping protect vulnerable households from dangerous extreme heat. 

Looking ahead, Morrill — who is retiring in August — shares why he remains optimistic about the “relentless” shift toward clean energy and how Fairfax County can work with partners to align economic growth with its climate goals.

To learn more about OEEC and its programs, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/environment-energy-coordination. 
 

Listen to the County Conversation Podcast with John Morrill

About the County Conversation Podcast 
The County Conversation is a podcast featuring Fairfax County Government staff and subject matter experts discussing programs, services, and topics of interest to residents. Find more episodes at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts.