History of Activism

In 2022 we testified, advocated and rallied for electrification of all new construction. In a close vote, with some modifications, this bill was passed and is now being implemented.
For the last several years MC-FACS has emphasized the importance of explicitly considering the impact of climate legislation on poor communities and advocated for specific measures that would ease their cost burden in the transition to more energy efficient, all electric housing. The County Council now includes a Racial Equity and Social Justice (RESJ) assessment for all new legislation and RESJ considerations were specifically incorporated in the County’s Climate Action Plan, and new construction electrification proposals.

In 2021 through 2022, we testified and lobbied county council to support the Thrive General Plan which would facilitate the development of denser, multi zoned walkable communities with increased multi family housing near public transportation. Eventually this was approved by the county council and is now the County’s General Plan which informs all the Master Plans.
Advocated for dedicated funding for the Green Bank, supporting the proposal to set aside 10 % fo the county’s energy tax revenues (about $20million annually) for the Green Bank
At many of our meetings with County Council members we promoted the development of a climate assessment when considering any legislation. The county council eventually accepted this idea and is now applying it to all proposed legislation.
For two years we testified and lobbied the county council to support the Building Energy Performance Standard which was eventually approved by the county council and is now being implemented

In 2020 MC FACS members researched and published a monograph identifying the best quality renewable energy electric utility plans available to Montgomery County residents. This monograph was published on the County’s Department of Environmental Protection website and has been updated annually.
Successfully advocated for the County to fund a Climate Action Plan and staff for implementing the County’s goals of 80% reduction in Greenhouse gases by 2027 and a 100% reduction (from a 2012 base) by 2030
Provided input to the County’s climate plan advisory boards and later lobbied for amending the Climate Action and Resilience to include more actionable goals.
Provided input and advocated for the county to adopt the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) which was implemented in 2020. The Green Construction Code that was passed requires lowering energy usage. Previously, alternative public improvements could be substituted.