County Executive Marc Elrich Unveils Climate Action Report That Highlights Montgomery’s Progress Toward Climate Goals

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 28, 2024

County Executive Marc Elrich announced that the Fiscal Year 2023 annual report on the Montgomery County Climate Action Plan shows that the County has made significant progress toward its climate goals. The report showcases the Fiscal Year 2023 accomplishments of the “County as a whole” in reducing climate change pollution and increasing resilience to a changing climate and provides a work plan for Fiscal Year 2024.

The annual report shows that the County has started 77 of the 86 actions set forth in the plan and made significant progress on or completed 49 actions.

“The progress outlined in our Climate Action Plan Annual Report showcases the dedication and hard work of the entire Montgomery County community,” said County Executive Elrich. “From energy-efficient projects and clean energy investments to electric vehicle adoption and enhanced flood response, we've made significant strides in reducing our climate impact and increasing our resilience. These achievements are a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together towards a sustainable future. Our Climate Action Plan is not just a policy document; it's a blueprint for a healthier, more resilient Montgomery County. As we move forward, we will continue to build on this momentum, ensuring that we leave a positive legacy for future generations."

Some of the key actions highlighted in the 2023 annual report include:

• The County completed 36 energy-efficient projects for County-owned properties. The total cost of $2.12 million was offset by $1.27 million in State grant funding and utility incentives. These projects are estimated to deliver $1.57 million in annual energy savings and 7,829 (MTOC2e) in annual greenhouse gas emission savings, the equivalent of taking 1,863 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles off the road annually.
• The Montgomery County Green Bank catalyzed 12 clean energy projects in FY23 with a total investment value of $13 million. These projects consisted of distributed solar projects in the residential, commercial, condo, affordable rental and faith-based sectors. The projects totaled almost three megawatts of clean energy.
• By the end of FY23, the County’s Electric Vehicle Purchasing Co-Op had collected more than 1,100 pledges from residents to make their next vehicle electric. Collectively, nearly one-third of Maryland's electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are registered within Montgomery County.
• In FY23, the County made 2,800 individual, direct contacts with employers and employees about commuting programs that can benefit both employers and employees.
• FY23 was the first full year the Parks Department instituted a preventative tree maintenance program on a three-year rotation to help retain more trees by increasing the health of landscaped trees in parks, addressing preventative maintenance on an additional 1,127 trees in 53 different parks.
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A total of 35 flood sensors were installed at the County's frequently flooded sites, providing real-time data to various agencies and jurisdictions and enhancing flood response and management.

The County departments, in partnership with numerous County agencies and offices, collectively planned, reported and acted based on eight topics to address the environmental consequences and risks of climate change. The topics are:

• Clean Energy
• Building
• Transportation
• Carbon Sequestration
• Climate Adaptation
• Governance
• Public Engagement
• Partnerships and Education with Racial Equity and Social Justice
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These topics are woven throughout both the Climate Action Plan and the Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report. The report covers the timeframe between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.

“The Climate Action Plan has proven its success in paving the way for the impressive work Montgomery County has both completed and continues to implement,” said Sarah Kogel-Smucker, the County’s climate change officer. “I am honored to release this FY23 Annual Report showcasing our collective efforts to combat climate change. We are transforming our buildings, transit systems, and green spaces and creating green jobs. We are building a legacy of justice, progress and possibility for generations to come." 

 Visit the Climate Portal to read the Annual Report in full and review the eight topics and specific actions underway.

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Release ID: 24-250
Media Contact: Ruth Semple 240-777-2077, Nordea Lewis
Categories: Environment