Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Highlights Major Climate Action Plan Progress During Visit to Walt Whitman High School

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was joined today 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, which focuses on reducing climate pollution, increasing resilience to climate impacts and setting a plan for actions in fiscal year 2025.

Since the launch of the Climate Action Plan, the County has initiated 78 out of the 86 actions outlined in the plan, with 55 actions either completed or making substantial progress. The following highlights key achievements:

• Zero-Emission Bus Transition: In April 2024, the County completed its initial Zero Emission Bus Transition Plan, to transition its entire bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
• Green Bank Investments: The Montgomery County Green Bank has deployed $37 million in clean energy and climate-resilient projects, leveraging an impressive $129.5 million in total investment, with a return of two and a half times in private sector funding. This includes 60 projects across public, commercial, residential and nonprofit sectors.
• Solar: By the end of Fiscal Year 24, the Capital Area Solar Switch Program had successfully registered 1,843 households and small businesses to learn about solar and participate in a group buying program.
• Microgrid Projects: The County initiated the design and construction of three microgrid projects at key locations – the Equipment Maintenance Transit Operations Center, the 6th District Police Station, and the Public Safety Communication Center. These microgrids will provide crucial emergency power in case of extended power outages.
• Building Energy Performance Standards: Building Energy Performance Standards regulations were advanced in FY24 and approved by the County Council in February 2025. Over the long run these regulations will reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) impact of building operations, addressing 15 percent of the entire GHG emissions countywide.
• Tree Planting: Over 4,250 shade trees were planted on more than 580 properties across the County, contributing to improved urban air quality and community well-being.
• Recycling and Reuse: In FY24, the County expanded its Recycling and Reuse Program, allowing residents to drop off mattresses, textiles, film plastics, and durable medical equipment at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station.

“We’ve made real progress, but there’s a lot more to do,” said County Executive Elrich. “This work is directly improving the air we breathe and the water we drink while making our communities more resilient and creating real economic opportunities in the clean energy sector. It’s fitting that we’re sharing this update with students, because they’re the ones who will inherit the consequences of what we do—or don’t do—today. Young people understand what’s at stake. They see through excuses, and they expect action. We owe it to them to continue to build on the achievements we shared today and keep pushing for the changes we need to meet our climate goals. We’re moving forward on everything from transitioning our bus fleet to zero emissions to making sure buildings are more energy efficient. The Green Bank is helping drive private investment into clean energy, and we’re expanding access to solar.”

The Leadership for Social Justice Academy at Whitman High School is one of the school system's expanded climate change educational offerings implemented over the past year.

"Today, we celebrate the incredible potential of our students as tomorrow's leaders,” said MCPS Superintendent Taylor. “Their engagement in understanding and addressing environmental challenges is vital for building a sustainable future. Together we nurture their passion and commitment, and we are fostering a generation that will lead with innovation, resilience and a deep sense of responsibility for our planet."

The County’s climate action efforts are organized around eight key focus areas: Clean Energy, Buildings, Transportation, Carbon Sequestration, Climate Adaptation, Governance, Public Engagement and Partnerships. Racial Equity and Social Justice are woven throughout the plan and report, ensuring that all community members benefit from the County's climate initiatives.

"The Climate Action Plan has proven its success in paving the way for transformative work across Montgomery County," said County Climate Change Officer Sarah Kogel-Smucker. "We are reimagining our buildings, transit systems, green spaces and green jobs. This is a legacy of justice, progress and possibility for future generations."

The FY24 Annual Report covers the period from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, and offers a detailed overview of the actions taken and progress made toward the County's climate goals.

For more information and to read the full report, including specific actions under each of the eight focus areas, please visit the County's climate action portal at montgomerycountymd.gov/climate.

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Release ID: 25-103
Media Contact: Scott Peterson 240-255-8462
Categories: Environment, Executive Office