Montgomery County is stepping up its climate action plan with a move to electrify low to moderate income housing through a significant $1.8 million grant. This initiative is made possible due to a partnership between local officials and federal resources, as the U. S. Department of Energy contributes a $1 million direct investment. Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) adds an additional $800,000 for the project focused on replacing fossil fuel-fired appliances with energy-efficient electric alternatives.
As reported by a
Montgomery County press release
, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized the significance of this grant, saying, “Receiving this grant is a crucial step to take action on climate in our low to moderate income communities.” He expressed gratitude to U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Jamie Raskin for their role in securing the federal funds, which are expected to help drastically reduce energy burdens and improve both health and building performance in the community.
In a move designed to simultaneously tackle climate change and the financial strain on working families, Senator Cardin stressed the necessity to not leave working families out of the energy transition. “Montgomery County’s Low to Moderate Income (LMI) Housing Electrification program will be an innovative, cost-effective way to reduce our carbon emissions while supporting Montgomery County’s low-and moderate-income families. The Biden-Harris Administration has again prioritized equitable climate investments, so that all communities can benefit from cleaner and healthier technologies,” said Senator Cardin in a statement obtained by the
press release.
Applications for this grant are open, with a two-stage process requiring eligibility screening and full applications by specified November and December deadlines. To assist potential applicants, DEP and the Office of Grants Management are hosting a virtual information session to provide guidance on how to compete effectively for this funding opportunity. The session is aimed at nonprofits who can deliver the project’s goals which include transitioning a community of affordable single-family homes or multi-family buildings to all-electric systems. Congressman Raskin noted the health imperative in transitioning away from harmful fossil fuel systems. Raskin said, “Fossil fuel-fired appliances and HVAC systems can pose serious health risks to Americans,” in a
Montgomery County release.
DEP Director Jon Monger linked the project to wider climate goals, stating, “Buildings generate more than half of the total countywide greenhouse gas emissions. To reach a zero percent greenhouse gas emissions in buildings by 2035, electrification of residential buildings is a must. The Low to Moderate Income Housing Electrification Project is yet another way the County continues to help ensure resident’s homes are safe, healthy, efficient and electrified, while also identifying and sharing best practices for fuel-switching.” The project looks to demonstrate that electrified technologies are not only ready for the market but also that they can create safer, healthier, and less costly living environments. With the grant, Montgomery County also aims to gauge the level of resources needed to potentially expand this initiative to other affordable housing opportunities within the region, according to the
same press release.
For further details, interested applicants are directed to review the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the
official Montgomery County website.
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