 MARCH 2025
IN THIS ISSUE:
A letter from Montgomery County's Climate Change Officer, Sarah Kogel-Smucker
Climate Smart: Get Flood Protection
This month’s “Climate Smart” action is to get flood protection—a crucial step as climate change is intensifying flooding in our communities. With more frequent and intense rainfall, inland flooding is expected to rise by 50% in Maryland by 2050 (source: UMD Extension).
So, how can you become flood smart? Start by exploring the County’s flood preparedness resources, which outline simple steps to protect your home, family, pets, and valuables. Examples of tips include:
- Store important documents and valuables in a waterproof container
- Never drive through flooded roads
- Consider flood insurance for financial security
Climate Action Plan Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024
On March 11th, County Executive Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, and I had the privilege of presenting the FY24 Climate Action Plan Annual Report to students at Walt Whitman High School’s Leadership for Social Justice Academy. The report highlights the County’s progress on climate action, with 78 out of 86 actions launched and 55 already completed or well on their way. Coverage of this event is below.
Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026
On March 14th, County Executive Elrich unveiled his recommended budget for FY 2026, which dedicates $379.2 million to combat climate change. This includes funding for: purchasing zero-emission vehicles, expanding climate outreach, and enhancing the County’s recycling program.
Check out more here and let your Councilmembers know how much you support funding climate action by signing up to testify at Council hearings April 8th and 9th.
Warmly,
Floods are both very common and very dangerous. Some floods can develop slowly while flash floods can develop in just a few minutes. Flood Watch = “Be Aware.” During a flood watch, conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area. If an event occurs that could lead to flooding, listen to the radio, watch television, and pay attention to any information from Alert Montgomery for instructions and warnings.
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The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection's 13th Annual Montgomery County Energy Summit is on Tuesday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 9 at the Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place in Silver Spring. County Executive Marc Elrich will deliver opening remarks, joined by Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart, DEP Director Jon Monger and Climate Change Officer Sarah Kogel-Smucker. Carl Elefante, fellow of the American Institute of Architects and former president of the American Institute of Architects, will provide the keynote address. Interested participants can register and learn more on the Montgomery County Energy Summit website. For more information about registration or the event, email info@mcenergysummit.org.
MCPS 2025 Youth Climate Summit is in-person 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Julius West Middle School on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The Summit is a full-day conference for MCPS middle and high school students to learn about climate change, connect with students across MCPS, and be equipped with the tools to create climate action projects in their communities. Lunch will be provided. For more information see the website.
Celebrating 10 Years: GreenFest 2025 is back on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at Marian Fryer Town Plaza, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD. Since its inception, GreenFest events have taken place in various locations throughout the County and hosted thousands of County community members. To celebrate GreenFest’s 10th anniversary, the first 500 people to register will receive a goodie bag to assist them on their journey to greener living. Don’t miss out! Register here.
Local climate news and updates from Montgomery County, the State of Maryland, and around the DMV.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released his recommended Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Operating Budget of $7.7 billion. The proposal reflects a commitment to sustaining core services, investing in public education, affordable housing, economic development and public safety while ensuring financial stability amid economic and political uncertainties at the federal and state levels.
The FY26 recommended budget advances Montgomery County’s commitment to a modern, sustainable and equitable transit system by making Ride On a fare-free service. This move prioritizes accessibility while eliminating outdated fare collection costs.
The FY26 budget reaffirms Montgomery County’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience, dedicating $379.2 million in operating and capital funds to advance key initiatives. These investments build on the County’s Climate Action Plan by addressing waste management, renewable energy and clean water protection while ensuring long-term sustainability. Key environmental investments include: $250,000 for public outreach on the County’s plastic bag ban ahead of the January 1, 2026 law change and $15.8 million for the Montgomery County Green Bank for clean energy initiatives.
Read more here.
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Montgomery County sets energy use standards for multifamily, commercial buildings
The Montgomery County Council voted to adopt regulations proposed by County Executive Marc Elrich for the County's building energy performance standards on Feb. 25. The regulations set energy use intensity performance standards for each building type, define how renewable energy will be incorporated into performance metrics and create the elements required for building performance improvement plans. They apply to most commercial and multifamily buildings that are 25,000 square feet or larger. The county aims to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, and 52% of the county’s carbon emissions emanate from buildings.
Read more on Smart Cities Dive.
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Montgomery County Releases FY24 Climate Action Report, Highlights Progress and Future Goals
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was joined by Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent (MCPS) Dr. Thomas W. Taylor to present the Montgomery County Fiscal Year 24 Climate Action Plan Annual Report to students in the Leadership for Social Justice Academy at Walt Whitman High School. The report outlines significant progress in implementing the County’s ambitious Climate Action Plan. Since the launch of the Climate Action Plan in 2021, the County has initiated 78 out of the 86 actions outlined in the plan, with 55 actions either completed or making substantial progress.
Read more at The Moco Show.
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National and international climate change news that affects life in the U.S. and beyond.
World climate report warns of growing risks to lives, economy and planet
A new report from the World Meteorological Organization delivers a stark warning: climate change is accelerating, with some impacts now irreversible for centuries. The State of the Global Climate report confirms global temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions and sea levels all reached record highs in 2024. Here are key takeaways from the WMO's findings:
- 2024 was the hottest year on record
- Oceans are absorbing record heat, leading to rising sea levels
- Glaciers and ice sheets are shrinking at alarming rates
- Extreme weather is displacing millions and costing billions
Read more at CBS News.
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Image Source: cbsnews.com
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 Solar Access Program Grants for Residential Solar Systems: Opening soon. There is no closing date as it will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. These grants will provide up to $7,500 (at $750/kW) for new household solar PV systems. Eligibility is limited to households with a total income that does not exceed 150% of the statewide area median income. The application requires two phases, including an initial application to reserve funds. Please read the FAQs.
Volkswagen Settlement Charge Ahead and Electric Corridors Grant Programs: Applications due April 18, 2025. Businesses, nonprofits, and governments may apply for funds to install Level 2 chargers for employee and public charging, or Level 3 chargers along designated alternative fuel corridors or charging hubs. Grant amounts vary. More information here.
The Green & Healthy Homes Initiative Thriving Communities Grant-making Program: Geared toward tribal, rural, and 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. Applications for 2-year grants will remain open through January 31, 2025, or until all grants for Tier 2 have been awarded. The application deadline for 1-year Tier I and Tier II grants is April 30, 2025, or until all grants have been awarded. More information here.
Senior Engineer (Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Construction Engineer) - Montgomery County Government (Montgomery County, MD): This position in the Recycling and Resource Management Division, Planning, Design, Construction and Monitoring Section. The Senior Engineer is a part of a team responsible for planning, management, and implementation of more than $100M of planned capital and non-capital projects. Apply here.
Decarbonizing Schools Program Manager - Maryland Energy Administration (Baltimore, MD): MEA is seeking a Program Manager to administer and develop a portfolio of grant programs that facilitate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of current and future public K-12 schools, school support facilities, and college and university campuses. Apply here.
Sustainability Program Leader - GE Vernova (Washington, DC): The Sustainability Program Leader is responsible for developing and leading strategic initiatives that support delivery against GE Vernova’s sustainability priorities, including GHG emissions, water, waste, and other key environmental functions. This position will support the Corporate and business sustainability function. This role will support development of the company’s climate strategy and lead new programs to meet GE Vernova’s climate goals. Learn more here.
Exciting opportunities available for job seekers. Check out DEP’s Green Job Portal for additional climate and sustainability jobs, including these highlighted positions:
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