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AUGUST, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE:
A letter from Montgomery County's Climate Change Officer, Sarah Kogel-Smucker
In the midst of sweltering heat, I want to spotlight a technology that many homeowners are installing to combat climate change while staying cool: heat pumps.
Heat pumps are an innovative solution for heating and cooling buildings. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that generate heat or cold air, heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another. In the winter, they extract heat from the outside air (yes, even cold air contains heat) and bring it inside to warm your home. In the summer, they reverse the process, removing heat from your home and releasing it outside, keeping you cool.
Why should you install a heat pump if you own your own home? Consider these compelling reasons:
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Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are overall more efficient than traditional heating or cooling systems.
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Cost Savings: With their high efficiency, heat pumps can significantly reduce your energy bills. Additionally, federal rebates will soon be available and utility incentives are already available.
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Climate Smart: By using less electricity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, heat pumps can help lower your household's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment. A Department of Energy study found that nationally, heat pumps would cut residential GHG emissions by 36%–64%.
As Montgomery County continues to lead in climate action, we encourage you to consider installing a heat pump when it’s time to upgrade your HVAC system. It helps to plan now before the time-pressure of broken air conditioner or home without winter heat. And, as described in the story below, I support Governor Moore’s move to ensure widespread adoption of heat pumps in Maryland. Together, we can make our community more resilient and sustainable.
Stay cool (and warm) sustainably,
  
County officials urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves, and their loved ones, against heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. For more information on hot weather safety tips and to register for Alert Montgomery, click here.
Local climate news and updates from Montgomery County, the State of Maryland, and around the DMV.
Montgomery County in the News: Op-Ed from Montgomery County's Climate Officer Sarah Kogel-Smucker
  Credit: Getty Images
The first day of summer in Maryland came with a warning: Code Red—Extreme Heat.
Across the state — from the panhandle to Montgomery County to the Eastern Shore – residents endured temperatures above 90°F. This heat wave caused more than 1,600 emergency room visits in one day throughout the mid-Atlantic. Since then, the Washington metro area has endured weeks more of temperatures above 90°F, peaking at 104 degrees in both D.C. and Baltimore.
The record-breaking heat shows that we must prepare now for the extreme conditions caused by climate change, especially as EPA analysis shows that heat waves are occurring longer and more frequently than before.
Fortunately, the first step toward universal clean cooling was taken when Gov. Wes Moore signed a visionary executive order ordering the Maryland Department of the Environment to develop zero-emission heating equipment standards (ZEHES) this year. The directive will ensure that all new HVAC systems in Maryland will soon be heat pumps, delivering highly efficient heating and cooling.
Heat pumps are an essential component of any strategy to make homes more resilient to extreme heat. Heat pumps use 18% less electricity compared to central air conditioning, providing lifesaving cooling amid peak summer heat at a lower cost. Upgrading to a heat pump could save families $705 per year on average on their utility bill, with a further $350 in savings when residents upgrade to a heat pump for water heating.
Read more in Maryland Matters
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Energy Companies Win Dismissal of Baltimore’s Climate Change Case
A Maryland judge dismissed a lawsuit by the city of Baltimore seeking to hold energy giants such as Exxon Mobil, BP and Chevron responsible for climate change, saying the case went beyond the limits of state law by trying to address the effects of gas emissions globally. The lawsuit accused the companies of engaging in a sophisticated campaign to deceive the public about the dangers of their fossil-fuel products, which contribute to greenhouse-gas pollution and climate change.
Read more in WHTC
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Historic Investments and Accountability Push Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Efforts In Right Direction, Says EPA Mid-Atlantic Administrator
Administrator Adam Ortiz countered concerns that the agency is unable to nudge partner states to do a better job in controlling nutrient pollution from entering the watershed. This year’s report card ranked the Bay’s overall health at a “C+”—a seemingly moderate score but the highest grade it’s received since 2002.
Read more in Inside Climate News
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National and international climate change news that affects life in the U.S. and beyond.
Hottest Day Recorded on Earth, Ever
 Source: Associated Press
Driven by oceans that won’t cool down, an unseasonably warm Antarctica and worsening climate change, Earth’s record hot streak dialed up this month, making Sunday, July 21 then Monday, July 22 (officially) the hottest days humans have measured, according to the European climate service.
Provisional satellite data published by Copernicus on Wednesday shows that Monday was 0.06 degrees Celsius (0.1 degree Fahrenheit) hotter than Sunday, which was .01 degrees Celsius hotter (0.2 degrees Fahrenheit) than the previous hottest day on record, July 6, 2023.
In addition to the warmer oceans and Antarctica, the western United States and Canada and eastern Siberia were especially warm in the last few days, Buontempo said. This is human-caused climate change in action, according to Buontempo and other scientists.
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To Help Stop Malaria's Spread, CDC Researchers Create a Test to Find a Mosquito That Is Flourishing Thanks to Climate Change
The bug notorious for spreading the disease is finding a new home in Africa. Scientists blame its migration on global warming and worry the disease may gain a foothold in the U.S. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced that they have developed a new test that allows for the rapid identification of the disease-transmitting insect, giving communities where the mosquito is migrating a chance to move quickly to eradicate it and address potential malaria infections.
Read more on Inside Climate News
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New Federal Grants Could Slash U.S. Climate Emissions by Nearly 1 Billion Metric Tons Through 2050
The Biden administration announced that it’s awarding $4.3 billion in federal grants to projects in 30 states aimed at boosting clean energy development and other efforts to reduce the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. The grants are among the largest cash subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act, the 2022 law that dedicated nearly $400 billion toward climate action and the clean energy transition.
Read more on Philanthropy News Digest
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With summer in full swing, many Montgomery County homeowners are considering adding solar panels. The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has introduced the new "eSolar" program to expedite the installation of residential rooftop solar panels by approved installers.
In the last episode of the DPS podcast, DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas and DPS SEM Manager Bryan Bomer discuss how the eSolar program works, its eligibility, and the benefits for homeowners. The program integrates approved third-party certified documents, including Solar APP+ (Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus), through DPS' electronic plan review system (ePlans), aiming to issue near-instantaneous permits for compatible projects.
“Our new eSolar program, is very exciting, and focuses on basic residential rooftop solar installations,” said Bomer. “The goal is to issue a near instantaneous permit with projects that are compatible with the program. Time is money and this program saves you time by expediting the permitting process. We encourage homeowners to ask their installers about this program.”
“Safety and sustainability are two of our department’s top priorities, and the new eSolar program addresses both,” said Lucas.
The podcast is available on the DPS website, Amazon, Apple, Spotify, and the County’s YouTube channel. Listeners can subscribe and send questions or ideas for future episodes to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov. For more information, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.
Highlighting Montgomery County students for their advocacy, projects, and stance on the effects of climate change - in their own words. This month we hear from Narjis Fatima, Sophmore at Paint Branch High School.
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As a high school sophomore, I find the interplay between climate change and mental health particularly relevant. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually in the winter, may be increasingly affected by climate change. Shifts in weather patterns, less predictable seasons, and reduced sunlight exposure can exacerbate SAD symptoms making it essential to understand this connection and find ways to address it.
Let's try to understand SAD, which more typically manifests as lethargy, mood swings, and a lack of motivation during the darker, colder months.
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These symptoms can severely impact students' academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being. The lack of sunlight disrupts our biological clock and serotonin levels, leading to these depressive symptoms. Climate change has led to more unpredictable and extreme weather patterns. Winters are becoming shorter, with longer periods of overcast skies and erratic snowfall.
These changes can disrupt the natural rhythm that our bodies rely on, making it harder for those with SAD to manage their symptoms. Decrease in predictable sunlight exposure can prolong and intensify the depressive episodes associated with SAD. I am worried that the unpredictable winter weather due to climate change could exacerbate this issue.
As a sophomore, the combination of academic pressures, social challenges, and the natural hormonal changes of adolescence can already feel overwhelming. Adding the impact of SAD, potentially worsened by climate change, can make winter especially stressful. Reduced energy levels; and difficulty concentrating, can lead to lower grades, and social withdrawal can affect friendships and family relationships.
Understanding and addressing the link between climate change and SAD is crucial, especially for high school students like myself. By raising awareness, promoting outdoor activities, advocating for better mental health resources, supporting sustainable practices, and creating strong community support systems, we can better manage the challenges posed by SAD and climate change.
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.
Environmental Justice Grants for Community Organizations in the Mid-Atlantic - Webinar with More Information August 7
Do you need funding for your community EJ project? Join this free webinar (August 7 at 11:00 am - 12:30 pm) for information about new grant opportunities!
Does your organization work on environmental concerns related to air or water quality, stormwater issues, improving food access, local cleanup projects, illegal dumping activities, healthy housing, toxin remediation, or other efforts to address environmental injustices in your community? Are you looking for ways to fund your work that don’t require lengthy and complicated grant applications? Funding to support assessment and planning, as well as implementation? If you are in EPA's Region 3, which includes Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and 7 federally recognized tribes, AND you answered YES to any of the questions above, this webinar is for you!
Under the Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program (TCGM), the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) will award grants totaling $40 million for environmental justice projects throughout the region. The funding is geared to communities disproportionately affected by environmental, climate, and human health harms and risks. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, those focused on air and water quality, stormwater treatment, food access, local cleanup projects, combatting illegal dumping activities, healthy housing, toxin remediation, and more.
Email ThrivingCommunities@ghhi.org if you have any questions or would like additional information. Register HERE to save your seat.
Green & Healthy Homes Initiative’s Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program
In collaboration with the EPA, GHHI will award $40 million in grants, flowing from the Inflation Reduction Act, to fund 171 eligible projects in historically disinvested communities throughout EPA’s Region 3 (includes Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and 7 federally recognized tribes). To further ensure equity and transparency, the Project includes a dedicated Advisory Board comprised of 11 organizations which will provide outreach support, applicant engagement, and ensure equitable, transparent project implementation. To ensure subrecipients’ technical assistance needs are met, the Project will also include a dedicated team of technical assistance partners with subject matter expertise congruous to the projects selected to receive TCGM subgrants.
Projected Award Levels:
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60 Phase I subgrants: 1 year up to $150,000 assessment projects
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51 Phase II subgrants: 1-2 years up to $250,000 planning projects
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50 Phase III subgrants: 2 years up to $350,000 project development projects
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10 Noncompetitive subgrants will be for 1 year up to $75,000 for severely capacity constrained communities (selected by Advisory Board)
A grants portal will open on the GHHI site in August 2024. For more information, click here.
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:
Associate Director, Corporate Governance & Sustainability Content (Hybrid): The Associate Director will engage with NACD’s 23,000 members to drive sound corporate governance policies and practices and help redefine good governance in this new age. View Job
Composting Fellow: Compost Crew, a locally owned business based in Rockville, MD is hiring a Compost Fellow for Fall 2024 to perform supervised research and assist in composting operations at One Acre Farm in Dickerson, MD. This Fellowship will offer an in-depth and hands-on experience to learn about composting operations for on-farm systems trained by a MDA Certified Compost Facility Operator. View Job
Park Planning and Stewardship Division Chief: Montgomery Parks is seeking a dynamic and well-rounded leader with a proven record of park and outdoor recreation planning and experience with, and passion for, natural and cultural resource stewardship. The position plays a meaningful role in balancing the needs for recreation and conservation – and achieving excellence in both. View Job
Climate Action Project Specialist, Grant Service specialist III: The Baltimore City Office of Sustainability is recruiting for a Project Specialist to coordinate climate and resiliency initiatives, particularly a grant-funded project that will install solar power and back up batteries at several Community Resiliency Hubs sites. View Job
Associate Planner I – Environmental: Under the general supervision of the City Planner, this position assists in all aspects of long-range planning, including comprehensive planning and annual plan amendments, demographic and development reporting, neighborhood and small area planning, regional policy support, code
amendments, grant management, and trends analysis. View Job
Live Webinar: Community Action for Climate Change (August 6 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm): Cate Mingoya, author of Climate Action for Busy People, and Mara Parker, Montgomery County OEMHS Climate Adaptation Program Manager, will present a roadmap with case studies for anyone that wants to boost their community climate resilience and move the needle toward environmental justice. Free. For more information, click here.
Ask an EV Owner (August 7 at 7:30 - 8:30 pm): On the first Wednesday of every month, join EVADC for an online "Ask An EV Owner" event. Are you shopping for an EV or just want to learn more? Do you have questions about your new EV? Then this event is for you! Join this virtual program.
Environmental Justice Grants for Community Organizations in the Mid-Atlantic Webinar (August 7 at 11:00 am - 12:30 pm): Do you need funding for your community EJ project? Join this free webinar for information about new grant opportunities! If you are in EPA's Region 3, which includes Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and 7 federally recognized tribes, this webinar is for you! Email ThrivingCommunities@ghhi.org if you have any questions or would like additional information. Register here to save your seat.
Eco Evenings at the Garden/Tardes ecológicas en el jardín (August 8 and 20 at 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm): Join Impact Silver Spring and Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection at the Serenity Garden for talks about greening your garden, community garden activities, and more. August 8: Special Guest Speaker / August 20: Rainscapes. Free to attend. For more information, click here.
Introduction to Backyard Food Scraps Composting (August 14 at 7:00 – 8:00 pm): Join this virtual meeting hosted by DEP’s Recycling and Resource Management Division - Waste Reduction and Recycling Section staff for a virtual workshop to learn how to compost various types of food scraps in your backyard. Free. For more information, click here.
Afro-Latino Caribbean Day (August 17, 12:00 – 4:00 pm): Join DEP and the Sandy Spring Museum & African Art Gallery for a special Afro-Latino Caribbean Day event. For more information, click here.
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