On Tuesday, a two-day energy summit highlighted how far Montgomery County has come in cleaning up the environment and how much more needs to be done.
Discussions by company and government officials focused on how to make the county more energy efficient by converting buildings, cars and buses to electric rather than gas powered.
The summit was held Monday and Tuesday at the Silver Spring Civic Center in Downtown Silver Spring.
“What we are doing here in Montgomery County is not only ambitious, but it’s achievable,” declared County Department of Environmental Protection Director Jon Monger.
The county has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2027 and 100% by 2035.
County Executive Marc Elrich, who sported a “Science is not a Liberal Conspiracy” T-shirt, said the county uses electric buses, created charging stations for electric cars and offers financial incentives for builders to go green. It also will soon add larger stormwater pipes to curb flooding during rainstorms.
“I have to leave with a big shout out to Montgomery County. You are leading the way on environmental protection,” said Maryland Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain. “Thank you for pushing us all forward.”
Happening now! Secretary McIlwain is delivering the plenary session at the Montgomery County EnergySummit. @MyGreenMC pic.twitter.com/HvhDb7pfV5
— MD Environment (@MDEnvironment) April 16, 2024
