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OCTOBER, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE:
A letter from Montgomery County's Climate Change Officer, Sarah Kogel-Smucker
As we spend more time indoors with the cooler weather, it’s a good time to consider the air quality in our homes. Indoor air quality plays a critical role in the health and well-being of our families, yet many of us may not realize the impact that gas appliances can have on the air we breathe. Recent studies have shown that gas stoves and heaters can release pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), which has been linked to respiratory issues, including childhood asthma. In fact, one prominent study found that 12.7% of childhood asthma cases nationwide are attributable to gas stoves (source). If you have a gas stove, there are steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality:
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Ventilate: Use your exhaust hood when you cook, especially if it vents outside, and crack a window while cooking.
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Use electric kitchen appliances instead: An electric tea kettle, toaster oven, air fryer, or microwave are all alternatives that can help you use your stove less frequently. In my home, our electric tea kettle and air fryer have helped us dramatically reduce our gas stove use.
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Air purifier: If you have an air purifier near the kitchen, turn it on while cooking.
When it’s time to replace your stove, consider switching to an electric one. Induction stoves are an exciting newer electric alterative to gas stoves, and electric coil stoves are widely available at a range of price points. These sustainable choices can help ensure healthier homes this Fall and beyond.
Warm regards,
 
Local climate news and updates from Montgomery County, the State of Maryland, and around the DMV.
Montgomery County Selected to Advance Energy-Efficient Building Codes
 Montgomery County has been selected by the Biden-Harris Administration as one of 19 jurisdictions in the country to negotiate the terms for federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Investing in America plan. This Department of Energy (DOE) funding would support the County’s Department of Permitting Services in the development and implementation of innovative building energy codes aimed at improving efficiency and reducing emissions.
While this is not a final award, being selected for negotiations is a strong recognition of our County’s leadership in zero-emission building codes as key climate action and DOE has selected Montgomery County for up to $10 million. I thank our Department of Permitting Services for their work with federal partners to finalize this incredible opportunity. These funds would significantly help us to create energy-efficient, resilient communities. For more information visit the DOE’s website.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has announced that the County has been awarded a $2.68 million grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The funding, part of the Federal Highway Administration’s Carbon Reduction Program, will support the installation of EV charging stations at up to 17 county-owned locations, including parking garages, park-and-ride lots, libraries and community centers.
The County will coordinate with MDOT to implement the project and select County sites for EV charging that are strategically located to meet the needs of residents and businesses. The full list of projects is provided in Item 9A on the agenda for the Metro-Washington Council of Government’s July 17 Transportation Planning Board meeting.
Governor Moore Issues Executive Order to Strengthen State’s Resilience Strategy
 Credit: FOX45 News
On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Gov. Wes Moore signed an Executive Order strengthening the State’s comprehensive resilience strategy against all hazards.
The executive order outlined the duties of the Maryland Office of Resilience (MOR) and provided information on how other departments, agencies and universities should coordinate with MOR.
MOR is part of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM). “This executive order underscores the State's commitment to preserving government functions and safeguarding communities in the face of natural and human-made threats,” said MDEM’s Secretary Russ Strickland. “Our State must be prepared to adapt, withstand, and swiftly recover from disruptions to daily life, whether from climate change, natural disasters, or other emergencies. This executive order solidifies our commitment to shape a resilient Maryland where communities thrive by ensuring that our State's strategies are coordinated, inclusive, and focused on protecting our most vulnerable communities."
Read the Key Provisions of the Executive Order, here.
University of Maryland Researchers Are Playing a Major Role in the Future of Climate-Friendly Air Conditioning
 University of Maryland graduate research assistants work on an elastocaloric cooling system prototype at the school’s Center for Environmental Energy Engineering. Credit: Courtesy of CEEE.
Thanks to consistent funding from the Department of Energy, the Center for Environmental Energy Engineering has been improving the global landscape of energy conversion.
As global temperatures continue to rise at a dangerous rate, so does the number of air conditioning units in use. Researchers at the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Energy Engineering have been working for years on Department of Energy-funded projects to implement technologies that may be the solution to making these machines more efficient and eco-friendly as dependence on them grows.
Read the full article in Inside Climate News here.
National and international climate change news that affects life in the U.S. and beyond.
Want your community to be climate resilient? Put someone in charge.
 Melissa Hoffer is Massachusetts' first climate chief. Credit: Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty images.
As billions of federal climate dollars flood state and local coffers, governments need people in place who have the authority to coordinate, fund and carry out a plan to build resilience. As the leaders gathering in New York City this week for the annual United Nations climate meeting know all too well, these are weighty responsibilities that require courage and commitment, and no one leader, agency or organization can do it alone.
According to a recent Deloitte survey of government leaders, only a small number of state and local agencies have a cross-functional and funded working group in place to coordinate efforts across their entire organization.
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Hurricane Helene Proves There Are No Climate Havens
More than 110 people are now believed to have died as a result of Hurricane Helene, the storm that swept through the Southeast over the weekend and left some 500 miles of destruction in its wake. Hundreds are missing and millions still don’t have electricity. Asheville—recently dubbed a “climate haven” for its historically mild climate and perch within the Blue Ridge Mountains—is among the areas worst hit; so far, 30 people have been reported dead there.
Read more in New Republic
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Climate Change, Human Decisions Feed Into Disasters Like Hurricanes
Climate change, aging infrastructure, human decisions feed into disasters like Hurricane Helene. A Virginia Tech environmental security expert says there are lessons to learn in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's disaster that can improve preparedness and community resilience. The tragic flood event in the southeast U.S. is a poignant example of the confluence of multiple factors, including development in floodplains, inadequate infrastructure maintenance and management, and the specter of climate change, whose compounding effect can amplify the disasters.
Read more in Virginia Tech News
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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 Anushri Nambiar, a senior at Winston Churchill High School.
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.
Maryland Energy Administration's Solar Canopy and Dual Use Technology Grant Program
The application window for the Maryland Energy Administration's Solar Canopy and Dual Use Technology Grant Program is now open. The program provides funding for the installation of solar power systems on parking garages and lots. The FY25 Solar Canopy and Dual Use Technology Grant Program, which is open now through Wednesday, October 23, 2024, provides grants to support the installation of solar photovoltaic systems on parking lots and parking garages. The agency also will consider applications for projects demonstrating other dual uses, such as installing solar to power microgrids that bolster critical infrastructure. For example, solar canopy microgrids that support more than one critical community businesses, like a grocery store, hardware store, pharmacy or gas station, can receive an added incentive. Businesses, public universities, nonprofit educational institutions, local governments and Maryland state agencies are eligible for the competitive, statewide program. Grants of up to $400,000 are offered for projects that install new solar canopies, and up to $550,000 grants are available for solar canopies that provide power to micro-grids that support critical infrastructure.
For more information, click here.
Office of Grants Management (OGM): FY25 Low and Middle Income (LMI) Electrification Grant Program:
Estimated launch in early October 2024. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is soliciting grant applications from nonprofits for one competitively selected federally funded subgrantee to upgrade one or more low-income communities with energy-efficient electric appliances, heating, and hot water systems. The goal of the grant project is to complete fuel-switching activities in at least 30 single-family units or at least.
OGM will continue to post open grant programs on the OGM County Website and the SM Apply online application platform. However, these new tools will more proactively advertise opportunities and allow stakeholders more time to consider and plan for future opportunities.
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:
Climate Finance Campaign Manager (Hybrid): The Climate Reality Project is a nonprofit organization founded by former US Vice President Al Gore. Our mission is to catalyze a global solution to the climate crisis by making. View Job
Senior Analyst, Sustainability: The Carlyle Group is seeking an experienced sustainability professional to support a broad set of sustainability activities at both the enterprise and investment portfolio levels and enable the company’s broader. View Job
Evaluation and Research Data Analysis & Technical Research: This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in our Washington DC office. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission. View Job
Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland - Residential Sustainability Program Manager :The Residential Sustainability Program Manager (RSPM) will manage Habitat’s climate resiliency programs for low- income homeowners across Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. Programs include weatherization, solar, and electrification. View Job
Director, Green Living & Community Engagement - Bethesda Green: Bethesda Green is a visionary and impactful non-profit organization at the forefront of promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. Our mission is to be a catalyst for sustainable living. View Job
Progressive Talent Pipeline Fellow: The Progressive Talent Pipeline identifies exceptional people who have deep commitments to economic, social, racial, and environmental justice who would like to make change by serving as government staffers. View Job
U.S. Policy Fellow Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES): Our mission is to secure a safe and stable climate by accelerating the transition to a thriving. View Job
Montgomery County Green Business Program (October 9, 8:00 am - 10:00 am), Learn how to thrive in the new green economy! Join OMG and Bethesda Green at District Bistro,11230 Grandview Avenue Wheaton, MD, for a networking and information session on Green Business Certification and learn how to Save Money, Reduce your footprint, and promote your business. Free, info.
Climate Solutions for Congregations: Bridging Spiritual Wisdom and Environmental Stewardship (October 13, 2:00 - 6:00 pm), join this inspiring event designed to expand outreach, emphasize the Climate Action Plan, and harness the power of community within our interfaith network. Must rsvp.
Webinar: Use and Care of Battery Powered Leaf Blowers: (October 24, 7:00 - 8:00 pm), during the webinar, experts from the American Green Zone Alliance will share information on the use and care of your battery powered leaf blowers and other equipment, and the ways to use leaves in your landscape to benefit your soil. Free, https://bit.ly/3Bf1im7.
Illumination Station (Multiple Dates in September): These information tables offer insights on lowering utility bills, applying for energy assistance, and obtaining energy-saving items. Sessions are hosted at different library branches throughout the county. No registration required. Free admission. For specific dates and locations, click here.
Park Cleanups - (Multiple Dates Throughout September): Ongoing park cleanups continue throughout October, organized by Montgomery Parks. These activities help maintain the beauty and health of the local parks and are open to community volunteers. For more details and to participate, you can visit Montgomery Parks' official website or the specific event links provided in the county's event calendar Montgomery Parks.
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