|
MONDAY, JUNE, 3, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE:
A letter from Montgomery County's Climate Change Officer, Sarah Kogel-Smucker
It’s getting hot around here! From grilling in a neighbor’s backyard, to swimming in the County’s awesome public pools, warm weather fun is here. But, as climate change brings us more excessive heat days, it’s important to treat excessive heat with caution.
To protect yourself and your family from excessive heat, first, please sign up for Alert Montgomery here. The Alert Montgomery System provides accurate and immediate emergency notifications, including weather alerts, from Montgomery County via text, email, or voice message. Next, check out these tips to stay safe in excessive heat. Tips include drinking plenty of water, visiting air-conditioned buildings if your home is not air conditioned, and wearing proper sun protection.
If you work outdoors or employ outdoor workers, check out this important advice on preventing heat illness at work. Precautions include acclimating to the heat and watching for signs of heat illness like nausea or slurred speech.
Trees are also vulnerable to excessive heat. If you have trees on your property or under your care, sign up for watering reminder emails via Reforest Montgomery. These occasional emails let you know when to water trees during periods of heat, drought, or low rainfall. I water our young and old trees whenever I get one of these email alerts and it makes summer tree care much simpler.
Putting these precautions in place allows us to weather this summer’s heat and enjoy this special season in Montgomery County! I look forward to a fun, safe summer of climate action.
 Thank you to Takoma Park Elementary School Second Grade students for these great tips! Here’s more information on how to remove harmful vines from trees.
Local climate news and updates from Montgomery County, the State of Maryland, and around the DMV.
Healthy, Efficient, Electrified, Climate-Adapted Pilot (HEECAP) Grants Program Awardees Announced
The County announced awardees of the Fiscal Year 2024 Healthy, Efficient, Electrified, Climate-Adapted Pilot (HEECAP) Home Grant Program. The HEECAP Program is providing $1.5 million to competitively selected community partners to pilot various strategies to:
- Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Provide gap funding for health and safety repairs
- Offer climate adaptations for low- and moderate-income homes in Montgomery County
The inaugural grant program is funding these four organizations to explore new and innovative ways to help income-eligible residents adapt to a changing climate: Building Change, Inc., The Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, Interfaith Works, Inc., Vietnamese American Services, Inc..
For information on each organization's individual grant projects, please click here. Additionally, for more information about energy efficiency and utility assistance programs available to County residents, visit the Montgomery Energy Connection website, call 301-7-ENERGY, or email energy@montgomerycountymd.gov.
County Trees Threatened by Climate Change, Development, Invasive Plants and Bugs
Trees in Montgomery County are facing several threats including invasive plants and bugs, climate change and development—even as the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments encourages its jurisdictions to try to ensure at least 50% tree canopy coverage for the region through 2050.
 Large White oak tree at Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus. Credit: MoCo 360 / Elia Griffin
In April, the council announced its regional tree canopy goal along with a report detailing the amount of tree canopy loss and gains in jurisdictions across the region. According to the tree canopy report, Montgomery County lost nearly 5,800 acres of tree canopy from 2014 to 2018, decreasing from 48.6% to 46.7% of tree canopy cover.
“Tree canopy is incredibly important to Montgomery County,” said Sarah Kogel-Smucker, the county’s climate change officer. “Trees are climate superheroes that remove carbon pollution from our atmosphere while providing the shade needed to withstand hotter temperatures.”
Read more on MoCo 360.
County Executive Marc Elrich announced that the Fiscal Year 2023 annual report on the Montgomery County Climate Action Plan shows that the County has made significant progress toward its climate goals. The report showcases the Fiscal Year 2023 accomplishments of the “County as a whole” in reducing climate change pollution and increasing resilience to a changing climate and provides a work plan for Fiscal Year 2024.
The annual report shows that the County has started 77 of the 86 actions set forth in the plan and made significant progress on or completed 49 actions. The County departments, in partnership with numerous County agencies and offices, collectively planned, reported and acted based on eight topics to address the environmental consequences and risks of climate change.
For the full report, click here.
National and international climate change news that affects life in the U.S. and beyond.
 |
|
Whitehouse, Raskin Urge DOJ to Investigate Fossil Fuel Disinformation
Senate Budget Chairman Sheldon Whitehouse and House Oversight and Accountability Ranking Member Jamie Raskin called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate Big Oil for its decades-long disinformation campaign to mislead the public about the climate effects of fossil fuels and obstruct climate action.
Read more U.S. Senate Committee on Budget
|
 |
|
EPRI Study: Data Centers Could Consume up to 9% of U.S. Electricity Generation by 2030
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more entrenched in our 24/7 digital economy, the demand for power could surge from the data centers processing AI. According to a new studyreleased today by EPRI, data centers could consume up to 9% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030—more than double the amount currently used. This could create regional supply challenges, among other issues.
Read more on U.S. News
|
 |
|
Vermont becomes 1st State to Enact Law Requiring Oil Companies Pay for Damage from Climate Change
Vermont has become the first state to enact a law requiring fossil fuel companies to pay a share of the damage caused by climate change.
Republican Gov. Phil Scott allowed the bill to become law without his signature late Thursday, saying he is very concerned about the costs and outcome of the small state taking on “Big Oil” alone... but he acknowledged that something has to be done to address climate change.
Read more on ABC News
|
We are excited to share the below news and opportunities below. These important grants are offered by both local and federal funding opportunities, and are made available to local governments, universities, community organizations, businesses and individuals.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $2 Billion to Fund Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants as Part of Investing in America Agenda
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a groundbreaking $2 billion investment in environmental and climate justice through the Community Change Grants program. Administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these grants constitute the largest single investment in environmental justice, supporting community-led projects focused on clean energy, climate resilience, and environmental justice challenges. The funds, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda and facilitated by the Inflation Reduction Act, aim to empower disadvantaged communities historically overlooked and burdened by pollution. The program offers two tracks for submission, totaling approximately $2 billion, with specific Target Investment Areas identified, including support for tribes, territories, and border communities. Rolling applications will be accepted until November 21, 2024, and oral presentations from applicants are encouraged. Additionally, $200 million is allocated for technical assistance to enhance community access to resources for environmental and climate justice activities. EPA will host informational webinars to provide further details and address questions.
For more information, click here.
Lots of exciting opportunities available for job seekers. Check out DEP’s Green Job Portal for additional climate and sustainability jobs, including these highlighted positions:
Director of Campus and Community Sustainability - Georgetown University: Located in a historic neighborhood in the nation’s capital, Georgetown offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, exciting ways to take advantage of Washington, D.C. View Job
Conservation Outreach Specialist - Nature Forward: To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume, including three professional references, to conserve@natureforward.org. Please include the job name in the subject line and cover letter. This position will stay open until filled. View Job
Digital Manager - Mother’s Out Front: Mothers Out Front is a dynamic, fully remote, fast-growing organization committed to mobilizing mothers and caregivers across the United States to advocate for a swift transition to clean, renewable energy View Job
2024 DOE Scholars Program - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): Application Deadline: 8/19/2024 8:00 am Are you interested in Artificial Intelligence – Clean Energy and Renewable Sources: Wind, Solar – apply now. View Job
Intergovernmental Relations Legislative Analyst (State Energy and Climate Policy) - Montgomery County: Intergovernmental Relations Legislative Analyst (State Energy & Climate Policy) Grade N28 Montgomery County Government Department of Environmental Protection. View Job
DEP Program Manager - Montgomery County: Montgomery County Government Department of Environmental Protection DEP is seeking a Program Manager I for the Watershed Restoration Division, Planning Outreach and Monitoring Section to manage and coordinate the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program. View Job
Distributed Organizing Manager - Mother’s Out Front: Mothers Out Front builds our power as mothers to ensure a livable climate for all children. Seeking a highly motivated leader to drive the success of Mothers Out Front’s distributed campaigns and organizing efforts. You will lead a team of staff and volunteer campaigners and organizers. View Job
Team Lead - 350.org: 350.org is looking for a passionate and visionary United States Team Lead with expertise in communications and digital organizing, but most importantly, individual and team management. View Job
Energy Futures 2024 Webinar: Energy Justice for Indigenous Communities & Communities of Color (Wednesday, June 5: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm). Join Groundswell and leaders from the climate space as we look at how leaders in the climate space address the disproportionate impact of climate change on communities of color. This panel will share insight into proven solutions already making a positive difference. Free to register. For more information, click here.
Are You Montgomery County’s Next Top Energy Star? (June 8: 10:00 – 11:00 am). Join Montgomery Energy Connection and Montgomery Parks, at this Energy Star program and pass the challenges: learn about electricity, tackle the topic of pollution, and identify sources of energy. All participants will take the Energy Star Pledge and receive their very own Next Top Energy Star kit to take home to show the world that you’re a Star. This event is kid-friendly and takes place at Meadowside Nature Center. There is no fee to participate but registering is encouraged. For more information, click here.
Montgomery County DEP: Food Scraps Composting Bin Bulk Sale Pickup (Saturday, June 22: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm). Held at Paint Branch High School, DEP and contracted partners have coordinated a bulk discount sale of the successfully evaluated Earth Machine and the Hotfrog Dual Chamber Tumbler. Note, this is ONLY a pickup and bins must be ordered in advance: here.
Montgomery County DEP: Food Scraps Composting Bin Bulk Sale Pickup (Sunday, June 23: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm). Held at Walt Whitman High School, DEP and contracted partners have coordinated a bulk discount sale of the successfully evaluated Earth Machine and the Hotfrog Dual Chamber Tumbler. Note, this is ONLY a pickup and bins must be ordered in advance: here.
Capital Area Solar Switch Webinar (June 26: 6:00 – 7:00 pm), Are you considering enhancing your home or business with the power of solar energy? Now’s the perfect opportunity! Join us for a FREE Solar 101 event, where you can delve into the world of solar power. This informative session is open to everyone intrigued by the potential of solar energy. Register here.
Illumination Stations (Various Dates in June), an innovative initiative launched by Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) where residents can learn about energy efficiency and exchange old incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs for new energy-efficient LED light bulbs throughout the month. This not only promotes energy savings but also highlights the importance of adopting greener technologies in our daily lives. For more information, click here.
|
