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Great Falls, Virginia · Community Advocacy

Your Voice for a Stronger, Better Great Falls

Citizens for Great Falls is a nonpartisan, all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the character, natural beauty, and quality of life in our community.

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1
Year
Celebrating Our
First Anniversary
One year of advocacy,
community, and civic action
100%
Volunteer driven
22066
Proudly rooted in Great Falls

Happy First Anniversary, Citizens for Great Falls!

One year ago, a group of passionate neighbors came together with a shared vision — to make Great Falls an even better place to live. Thank you for your support, your voices, and your commitment to our community.

Our mission: To advocate for responsible land use, environmental stewardship, and transparent local governance — keeping Great Falls the exceptional community it is for generations to come.

What we do
Our Focus Areas

We engage on the issues that matter most to Great Falls residents.

Environmental Protection

Safeguarding the Potomac River corridor, green spaces, and natural resources that define our community.

Land Use & Planning

Monitoring development proposals and advocating for responsible zoning that reflects community values.

Civic Advocacy

Engaging county officials, attending public meetings, and amplifying resident voices on local decisions.

Transportation & Safety

Working toward safer roads, pedestrian paths, and thoughtful traffic solutions for our rural character.

Education & Schools

Supporting excellence in local education and keeping schools at the heart of the community.

Community Events

Bringing neighbors together through forums, cleanups, and events that strengthen local bonds.

News / Articles

CFGF Submits Comments on Proposed Zoning Amendment

Peter Falcone | Published on 7/15/2025

July 15, 2025 (Great Falls) As our community has commercial and Industrial districts in proximity to residential districts, CFGF has significant concerns regarding the anticipated expansion of BESS in Fairfax County, particularly due to the increasing preference for Lithium-Ion batteries, which are valued for their power density, operational performance, and economic advantages. These batteries present well-documented risks of fire and explosion, with certain incidents demonstrating that such fires can be difficult to control or extinguish promptly. Allowing BESS installations in densely populated areas may introduce unnecessary risk to local communities, particularly if By-right.

 

The CFGF is especially concerned that, in addition to potential noise and environmental impacts associated with future BESS facilities, Fairfax County should be evaluating stronger regulatory measures, including additional possible restrictions within specific zoning districts.

 

According to the staff’s preliminary discussion draft, DE has set a goal to develop or acquire 2,700 MW of energy storage capacity by 2035, with an additional requirement that at least 35% of this capacity be purchased. Moreover, many of DEs substations (potential sites for BESS) in Fairfax County are located near or within both commercial and residential areas. As a result, it is prudent to consider the potential community concerns that would arise regarding noise, pollution, and the documented fire and explosion risks associated with BESS using Lithium-Ion batteries. 

Market indications confirm that BESS constitutes a rapidly growing sector, not unlike our experiences in Fairfax County regarding the emergence of data centers in Northern Virginia. 

CFGF believes that the impending fast-paced development of BESS necessitates that this land use category requires a comprehensive understanding of the associated risks and the potential impacts on communities resulting from BESS deployment and more specificity in the zoning regulations.

 

Finally, at a minimum, we are opposed to By-right approval of BESS in residential or commercial areas and recommend that all BESS undergo the Special Exception application process. 

The complete comments are filed on the CFGF website Documents Menu Page.

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