Community Groups and OrganizationsThe Department of Environmental Protection is fortunate to have several community organizations interested in building awareness of energy and environmental issues in Montgomery County. Visit their Web sites to see how you can get involved in your community.
Montgomery County Government
Montgomery County Municipalities
Energy and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is made up of representatives from 21 local governments in the capitol region. COG is an independent, nonprofit association supported by participating local governments, federal and state grants and contracts, and donations from foundations and the private sector.
Policies are set by the full membership acting through the board of directors, which meets monthly to discuss area issues. Committees are formed to address specific issues affecting the region, such as the environment, affordable housing, economic development, health and family concerns, human services, population growth, public safety, and transportation.
Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection staff members serve on committees that deal with energy issues along with the ones listed below:
Energy Fact Sheets
The Department of Environmental Protection produces fact sheets on a variety of issues to distribute at festivals and events. The fact sheets listed below provide information to help you save energy, use clean renewable energy sources, and protect the environment. Read these fact sheets online, download and print them for distribution at local events, or share them with your friends, neighbors, and community organizations.
Appliance Shopping (PDF, 10.42MB)
Energy-Efficient Landscaping - Summer Edition (PDF, 120KB)
Energy-Efficient Landscaping - Winter Edition (PDF, 128KB)
Energy-Efficient Washers and Dryers (PDF, 13.29MB)
Solar Hot Water (PDF, 13.14MB)
Solar Power (PDF, 12.84MB)
Summer Cooling Tips (PDF, 29.8MB)
Wind Energy (PDF, 128KB)
Energy Education for Kids
Kids can get involved in saving energy, too! Explore the websites below with your children to learn more about energy together. Who knows? Maybe your child will be inspired to turn off the lights!
Energy Policy and Laws
Learn about how the County regulates energy usage and works to save energy.
29-07 Environmental Sustainability - Climate Protection - Motor Vehicles (PDF, 360KB) Mandates that certain County fleet vehicles must use biodiesel instead of regular diesel.
30-07 Buildings - Energy Efficiency (PDF, 485KB) Outlines the need for the Sustainability Working Group to develop a cost-saving plan for County facilities and to assess the energy-efficiency requirements for homes.
32-07 Environmental Sustainability - Climate Protection Plan (PDF, 380KB)Establishes the Sustainability Working Group and requests the development of a climate change action plan.
33-07 Renewable Energy (PDF, 383KB) Requires the Sustainability Working Group to develop a Renewable Energy Plan for the County, removes homeowner association covenants against the installation of solar photovoltaic and other renewable energy devices, and establishes a property tax credit for the installation of renewable energy generation technologies on residential properties. Visit the Financial Incentives Web page for more information about this and other incentives.
34-07 Planning Procedures - Greenhouse Gas Emissions (PDF, 88KB) Requires the Montgomery County Planning Board to assess projects for their greenhouse gas emissions and to consider ways to reduce environmental impacts.
35-07 Consumer Protection - Energy and Environmental Advocacy (PDF, 108KB) Requires the Office of Consumer Protection to advocate for the lowest possible rates for energy. This is consistent with environmental stewardship, when dealing with state or federal matters.
17-06 Buildings - Energy Efficiency and Environmental Design (PDF, 348KB) Mandates that any new County government building must be built to meet the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standard; any other new building must be LEED-certified.