Montgomery County Council Bolsters Climate Resilience Funding Through Green Bank Expansion

Montgomery County residents will see expanded efforts to combat the effects of climate change, following the County Council’s passage of legislation to broaden the scope of the Montgomery County Green Bank. According to a recent press release from the County, Bill 2-26 will allow the Green Bank to utilize existing fuel-energy tax revenue to support projects aimed at flood mitigation, heat resilience, and infrastructure protection.

This new legislation builds upon the Green Bank’s existing work in financing renewable energy and energy-efficiency initiatives. The expansion means that funds previously dedicated to clean energy can now also be directed towards addressing the tangible impacts of climate change that Montgomery County is already experiencing, such as increased flooding, extreme heat, and more severe weather events. The bill does not introduce any new taxes and is designed to be financially neutral for the county budget.

Projects eligible for funding under the expanded scope could include enhancements to drainage systems to manage increased rainfall, fortifications for electrical systems in buildings to withstand extreme weather, initiatives to increase tree canopy coverage for heat reduction, the implementation of early warning systems for flood events, and the development of green infrastructure designed to better absorb stormwater. These measures are intended to provide greater protection for residents, local businesses, and the natural environment against the growing challenges posed by a changing climate.

The legislation was sponsored by Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke, Andrew Friedson, and Evan Glass. Councilmember Luedtke highlighted that as climate change intensifies, the region is already contending with a rise in flooding, extreme heat, and strain on infrastructure. She emphasized that this bill strengthens the County’s partnership with the Green Bank, enhancing its capacity to finance projects that will aid residents in preparing for and enduring these climate impacts.

Councilmember Friedson, who was a lead sponsor of the 2022 Montgomery County Green Building Now Act, noted that this measure follows a significant prior investment that increased the Green Bank’s capacity. He stated that the Green Bank has become a vital partner in making clean energy projects accessible to the community, and expressed his pride in expanding its mandate to include climate resiliency, thereby furthering the goal of a cleaner and more adaptable community.

Councilmember Glass, who chairs the Transportation & Environment Committee and is a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee, pointed out that Montgomery County is already experiencing the consequences of the climate crisis, including more severe flooding and extreme heat. He explained that the legislation equips the Green Bank with the necessary tools to support climate resiliency projects that safeguard residents, businesses, and the environment, translating climate action into concrete community protections.

The CEO of the Montgomery County Green Bank, Stephen Morel, expressed gratitude for the Council’s passage of this significant legislation. He explained that the fuel-energy tax is directly linked to carbon-intensive energy consumption, which also contributes to emissions and the escalating physical impacts of climate change. Allowing these revenues to fund resilience and adaptation investments, Morel stated, creates a fiscally sound connection between revenue generation and risk mitigation, positioning Montgomery County as a national leader in climate resilience finance. He further indicated that through the Green Bank’s resilience strategy, “Protecting the Path to Net-Zero,” the organization is demonstrating how public investment can stimulate private capital for the protection of affordable housing, farms, and critical infrastructure.

Bill 2-26 also received cosponsorship from Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe and Councilmembers Kate Stewart, Sidney Katz, and Shebra Evans. Residents interested in learning more about the Montgomery County Green Bank’s work in resilience and adaptation can visit the Green Bank’s official webpage.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Montgomery County Council Press Release

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