Washington County is planning to eliminate the Office of Sustainability in June as part of its budget cuts. We cannot let this happen.

The Office of Sustainability protects our community’s future — by addressing climate change, improving our air and water, reducing waste, and making our homes and neighborhoods healthier. Without it, Washington County risks falling behind and putting our families and future generations at risk.

Here’s why this matters to all of us:

1. Cleaner Air and Water:
   Programs like the Wood Stove Exchange have helped people replace old, dirty wood stoves with cleaner heating options — improving the air we breathe. Without leadership from the Sustainability Office, efforts like this could disappear.
2. Affordable, Energy-Efficient Homes:
   The Sustainability team supports programs that help people, especially low-income families, make their homes more energy-efficient. That saves money and reduces pollution.
3. Less Waste, More Recycling:
   They lead initiatives to cut down on trash, help businesses and residents recycle more, and reduce harmful waste going into our landfills.
4. Preparedness for Climate Change:
   The Office is helping the county create plans to deal with climate impacts like extreme heat, drought, and wildfire smoke. If they are eliminated, the county will lose a key part of protecting our communities from the growing risks we all face.
5. Protecting Future Generations:
   Without a strong commitment to sustainability today, our children and grandchildren will face bigger environmental challenges tomorrow.

Abandoning the Office of Sustainability would be short-sighted, irresponsible, and harmful to our entire community.

Chair Harrington, we need leaders who plan for the future — not ones who cut corners today and leave bigger problems for tomorrow.

We are calling on all the Washington County Board of Commissioners and Budget Committee to:

• Keep the Office of Sustainability funded and fully staffed.
• Continue building a healthier, more resilient Washington County for everyone.
• Show leadership by protecting our environment, economy, and public health.

Please Sign & Share this petition to stand up for the future of Washington County’s health, our economy, and our planet.