Landmark Regional Wastewater Agreement

May 2013 - Leaders announced a landmark agreement to support the world’s largest advanced wastewater treatment plant, the Blue Plains plant in Washington, D.C.  The pact ensures service for 2 million area residents and 18 million annual visitors, cleaner rivers and a healthier Chesapeake Bay, and also supports regional growth and development for the next 40 years. The Council of Governments assisted in the development of the agreement and will support area leaders with its implementation.

America Recycles Day

November 2012 - America Recycles Day was November 15. Local governments celebrated with events and contests. The Council of Governments sponsored a regional prize contest as well. Learn more on the America Recycles Day page.

Helicopter Noise Forums

February 2011- Between September 2010 and February 2011, COG organized two public forums on helicopter noise and one briefing for local elected officials. Learn more about the subject and what was discussed the forums.

Climate and Energy Plan Approved

May 2013 – The Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy Committee approved the 2013-2016 Climate and Energy Action Plan.  The plan puts forth 59 recommended actions for local governments to achieve the region’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020. Recommendations are aimed at reducing the carbon impact of the built environment, energy, and transportation sectors while increasing resiliency and improving education and outreach.

Go Recycle Campaign

April 2013 - COG ran Go Recycle radio advertisements on five radio stations for two weeks around Earth Day. The ads encourage people to recycle in the workplace. Learn more on the campaign Web site.

Electric Vehicle Report

October 2012 - COG's Electric Vehicles in Metropolitan Washington report focuses on how to establish a regional readiness plan for the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs).

Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation

May 2012 - COG is working with EPA on a Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Award to plan and develop local government guidelines for adapting to risks from climate change. Visit the information page.

Plastic Bag Report Update

November 2012 - The Washington region has become a national leader in single-use carryout bag management.  During the last three years, two large local jurisdictions have passed bag-fee laws making the area nationally unique in its application of fees to limit use of both paper and plastic bags.  This Plastic Bag Report Update reviews recent local and national developments.