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JANUARY, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE:
A letter from Montgomery County's Climate Change Officer, Sarah Kogel-Smucker
Happy New Year!
We’re excited to kick off 2025 with big climate action plans here in Montgomery County. Here’s a peek at what’s ahead:
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Supporting Zero-Emission Transit: We’re completing construction on our second solar-powered electric bus charging depot at the Equipment Maintenance Transit Operations Center (EMTOC). This cutting-edge facility will include battery backup and function as a resilient microgrid.
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Advancing Sustainable Building Codes: We’re advancing building codes that promote the transition to zero-emission building construction.
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Expanding Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure: Our Zero-Emission Vehicle Strategic Plan will outline a long-term strategy to grow Montgomery County’s EV charging network.
As the new federal administration plans to take a step back on climate action, your local government is grateful to be able to keep moving speedily forward, thanks to the support and commitment of residents like you.
New Year’s Resolutions for a Greener Future
Let’s also talk resolutions: whether your 2025 goals are personal, professional, or health-related, there are many ways to incorporate little climate actions into your day-to-day life. Consider resolving to adopt a new climate-friendly habit, like taking the bus once a week, unplugging unused appliances, or eating less red meat. This year, I’m resolving to schedule a long-overdue home energy assessment—a great way to reduce energy use and save money. What will your climate resolution be?
Here's to a more sustainable 2025!
Warm Regards,
 Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released its “2024 Year in Review” video, showcasing progress in renewable energy, waste reduction, and watershed protection as part of the County’s Climate Action Plan. Highlights include launching renewable energy grants, expanding food scraps recycling, planting over 4,000 trees, and engaging thousands of residents through educational events.
Local climate news and updates from Montgomery County, the State of Maryland, and around the DMV.
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The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) announced the release of a comprehensive bus network redesign plan that implements recommendations from the two-year Ride On Reimagined Study.
The implementation plan aims to expand access to public transportation in Montgomery County and provide faster, more reliable bus service by changing bus routes and frequency, expanding coverage to underserved areas and adding new bus routes.
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The long-term vision calls for an expansion of the County’s express and on-demand bus services, including eight new Flash bus rapid transit (BRT) lines, four Ride On extRa lines and 19 new Ride On Flex zones.
Visit the MCDOT Ride On Reimagined webpage to learn more about the final report and redesign plans and explore the interactive maps.
Maryland Department of Environment Releases Climate Plans for 2025
 Credit: Maryland Department of Environment
December 20, 2024 the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) released climate plans that aim to keep the state’s economy in line with its Climate Pollution Reduction Plan.
Twenty-five different agencies submitted these plans, which included more than 100 priority actions needed to meet Maryland’s climate goals.
A news release said that includes “workforce development for installing clean appliances like heat pumps, electrifying vehicle fleets, making state buildings more energy efficient and diversifying the state’s energy portfolio.”
You can read more about the plans here.
Insurance Companies Dumping Local Homeowners at Accelerating Rate Due to Climate Stress, New Reports Say
 Source: WUSA9, Washington, DC
A new report from the Maryland Insurance Administration revealed that insurance companies are increasingly refusing to renew policies, not just in coastal areas, but statewide.
In Montgomery County, cases of non-renewals jumped nearly 48%, while statewide non-renewals rose by over 62% from 2021 to 2023, the report said.
The report explained that insurers are responding to significant climate losses after national hurricane and wildfire disasters in 2024 by tightening their standards. This includes stricter home inspections and rejecting renewals for homes with maintenance issues or aging roofs, even in communities nowhere near flood zones or coasts.
National and international climate change news that affects life in the U.S. and beyond.
Climate Change Impacts Grip Globe in 2024
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Climate change impacts gripped the globe in 2024, with cascading impacts from mountain peaks to ocean depths and on communities, economies and the environment.
The year 2024 is set to be the warmest on record, capping a decade of unprecedented heat fueled by human activities, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Greenhouse gas levels continue to grow to record observed highs, locking in even more heat for the future.
“Today I can report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat. The top ten hottest years on record have happened in the last ten years, including 2024,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his New Year message.
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Read more on WMO.int (World Meteorological Organization)
Climate Change Performance Index 2025: No Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Yet Despite Rapid Renewables Growth
Credit: New Climate Institute
Renewable energy is making rapid progress in almost every high-emitting country. However, too many countries are still clinging to prolonging the fossil fuels business model, especially for gas. This is shown in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) published by German Watch, New Climate Institute, and CAN International. The 63 countries plus the European Union assessed in the CCPI are responsible for 90% of global emissions.
For the full report, visit NewClimate.org.
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 MEA FY25 Commercial Solar Grant Program: Grants are on a first-come, first-served basis; the application deadline is March 31, 2025. The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) welcomes applications from nonprofits or state-registered business located in or serving LMI overburdened/ underserved populations. Funds may be used to purchase solar PV systems (applicant-owned or third-party owned). The maximum grant is $500,000. Cost-share varies from 50% to 75% or by maximum kW allowance.
Maryland MEA Commercial, Industrial & Agricultural FY25 Grant Program (Energy Savings): Grants are on a first-come, first-served basis; the application deadline is February 14, 2025. The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) welcomes applications from eligible applicants including facility owners that operate businesses (registered corporations, LLPs, LLCs, GPs, etc.) or non-profit entities operating in specific areas. Grant funds can be used to accelerate investment into clean, energy-efficient building technologies by defraying their installation cost in existing or new facilities, agricultural facilities, or combined heat & power. Grants can also support displacement of fossil-fuel use in commercial, industrial, or agricultural facilities. Awards typically range from $100,000 to $250,000 per project, with a maximum of $400,000. Cost-share is at least 25%.
Maryland MEA Energy Efficiency Equity Grant Program: Applications due January 16, 2025. The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) welcomes applications from nonprofits registered in MD for energy efficiency projects (retrofits and upgrades to new and existing construction). Projects and related activities must benefit Maryland residents experiencing low and moderate income. MEA energy programs are focusing on electrification and zero direct emissions technologies. The minimum request is $9,500 and the maximum is not set.
Meet our 2024-25 fellows. In their own words, they explain how they hope to contribute to a sustainable future.
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Clarence Snuggs Jr.: Hello. My name is Clarence Snuggs Jr., and I am a year-long Climate Fellow working with the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In May of 2023 I graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) with a major in Political Science. The American political system, especially local politics interests me, since I see it as one of the best mechanisms through which citizens and their representatives can work together to identify and address their community’s challenges. |
Through my studies into the adverse effects of climate change, I have also developed a lot of respect for the work the County government has done to mitigate them, as well as to develop and implement strategies for preserving our environment and natural resources. I joined the County’s Climate Team so I could earn more experience in the implementation of these strategies, and in my first third of my Fellowship, I have had the pleasure of contributing research, and research reports to members of the Climate Team. These topics include promoting stakeholder partnerships, renewable energy for homes and businesses, and the ways in which local communities are affected by climate change. As this new year begins, I am looking forward to continuing my work and supporting Montgomery County residents.
Hirut Zergaw: My name is Hirut Zergaw, a Climate Fellow at DEP, Montgomery County. I aspired to be a climate fellow because of my deep passion for addressing climate challenges and finding innovative solutions to build a sustainable future. My interest stems from my academic background in public management, policy, and rural development, coupled with certifications in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Over the years, I have gained hands-on experience working on agro-ecology, urban agriculture, solar energy, and food security projects. During this fellowship term, I have researched strategies to mitigate carbon emissions caused by unused and Redundant, Obsolete and Trivial (ROT) data, improving hardware and algorithm efficiency, and contributing to the Climate Action Plan annual report, among other impactful efforts. I am deeply grateful to Montgomery County for offering me this incredible opportunity. This fellowship aligns with my career aspirations and has provided me with a platform to pursue my passion, deepen my expertise, and channel my passion into meaningful contributions toward a sustainable future.
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:
Senior Manager, Decarbonization Policy and Standards
Organization: Institute for Market Transformation
Location: Washington, DC (Remote)
Description: Full-time position focusing on decarbonization policy and standards. The Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to equitably decarbonize buildings in this decade to improve the livability of our communities.
View Job
Research Assistant, Clean Energy
Organization: World Resources Institute
Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)
Description: Assist in clean energy research projects. To be eligible for this position in US, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.
View Job
Associate, Federal and External Affairs
Organization: U.S. Climate Alliance
Location: Washington, DC
Description: Support federal and external affairs initiatives related to climate policy. The U.S. Climate Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of governors securing America’s net-zero future by advancing state-led, high-impact climate action.
View Job
RainScapes Pros Training (January 22, 5:00 – 7:00 pm), RainScapes will host the yearly virtual General Contractor Training for contractors which goes over program details, BMP basics, and best practices for green stormwater management. Attendance is mandatory for contractors who wish to be added to the public-facing RainScapes Contractor List. Anyone coordinating with RainScapes regularly is encouraged to attend. For more information, click here.
RainScapes Pros Training: Assessing and Designing a Property for Effective Stormwater Management (January 29, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm), join RainScapes for this in-person workshop at the Lathrop E Smith Center, 5110 Meadowside Ln. Rockville, MD. Attendees can learn and practice the best techniques for situating green stormwater infrastructure on a property. CBLP credits will be available to those who complete the workshop. Please note, class will be capped at 40 participants. For more information, click here.
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