WHEREAS, Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, a nonprofit organization committed to protecting and improving air, water, and open spaces in the Arlington community and surrounding region, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2018; and

WHEREAS, originally developed by the Arlington County Department of Public Works, Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE) was founded in 1978 as part of Keep America Beautiful, a national campaign to reduce litter and pollution; and

WHEREAS, over the years, ACE has expanded its focus to include a broader environmental mission aimed at promoting stewardship of natural resources and connecting the public with practical solutions to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle; and

WHEREAS, since 2011, ACE has operated the Energy Masters program, which trains volunteers in energy efficiency and water conservation techniques such as sealing air leaks on windows, doors, and ducts and installing energy-efficient light bulbs and water-saving shower heads and faucets; participants then use their new knowledge to complete 30 annual hours of community service; and

WHEREAS, in order to educate children about conservation, ACE offers free environmental presentations and extended day programs for Arlington schools; in 2017, the organization engaged over 3,500 local students in hands-on programs related to recycling, watersheds, habitat, energy, and other sustainability topics; and

WHEREAS, ACE also operates a Tree Canopy Fund that provides grants for individuals and community groups to plant and maintain trees on private property; since 2009, over 1,500 trees have been planted as part of the program; and

WHEREAS, ACE's other programs include litter collection and public park cleanup initiatives, rebates for residents who invest in energy-efficient appliances, a solar co-op, and a rain barrel program; and

WHEREAS, to help further its mission of promoting a sustainable community, ACE relies on a collection of dedicated volunteers as well as partnerships with private businesses, government agencies, and local nonprofits; and

WHEREAS, ACE has received numerous accolades for its work in Arlington, including recognition as one of the best small charities by the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington and the Virginia Environmental Stewardship award; in addition, the Energy Masters program was recognized by both the Virginia Governors Housing Conference and the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council; and

WHEREAS, throughout its history, ACE has improved air quality, enhanced wildlife habitats, mitigated the effects of carbon emissions, reduced pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, and helped create a more beautiful and environmentally sustainable Arlington; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment on its years of valuable service to the community on the occasion of its 40th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's dedication to creating a cleaner and more sustainable Arlington.