Montgomery County proclaims Energy Action Month, highlights electrification and $1.5M in weatherization grants

Montgomery County leaders proclaimed Oct. 24, 2024, Energy Action Month at the council’s Oct. 29 session, emphasizing strategies to cut greenhouse gas emissions and local programs to help residents electrify homes.

Council members and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) staff reiterated county climate goals cited in the proclamation — an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2027 and elimination of emissions by 2035 — and described four DEP pillars for lowering energy use: conservation, efficiency, electrification and renewable energy. Sarah Cobel Smucker, the county’s climate change officer, told the council that about half of the county’s climate pollution comes from buildings and urged residents to take actions ranging from small behavioral steps to appliance electrification when replacing gas appliances.

DEP Director Munger and DEP program staff highlighted available resources, including Montgomery Energy Connection and an Electrify MC pilot program, and pointed to expedited solar permitting and the county’s Green Bank as tools to help residents and organizations access financing and program support. The proclamation text notes $1.5 million in grants for pre‑weatherization and electrification projects to benefit low‑ and moderate‑income residents.

Council members framed the proclamation as both an environmental and health action, citing local tests showing elevated nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in some apartments and the potential benefits of reducing indoor pollutants. The T&E Committee presented the proclamation and encouraged residents and businesses to pursue energy‑saving and electrification measures.

No formal legislative vote on a fiscal appropriation was recorded during the proclamation reading; the proclamation was presented by the Transportation and Environment Committee and the council.