The Montgomery County Council passed Bill 2-26, which updates how existing fuel-energy tax revenue can be used by the Montgomery County Green Bank.
The legislation allows those funds to support climate resiliency and adaptation projects in addition to the Green Bank’s current financing of renewable energy and energy-efficiency initiatives. According to the Council, the bill does not create a new tax and is intended to be budget neutral. It was sponsored by Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke, Andrew Friedson, and Evan Glass, with additional co-sponsors including Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe and Councilmembers Kate Stewart, Sidney Katz, and Shebra Evans.
Officials said the expanded use of funds will support projects aimed at addressing the local impacts of climate change, such as flooding, extreme heat, and severe weather. Examples include drainage improvements, protection of building electrical systems, expanded tree canopy, early flood warning systems, and stormwater management infrastructure. Supporters said the measure strengthens the County’s ability to finance resilience efforts and aligns existing revenue with climate-related risks, while continuing broader efforts to invest in clean energy and environmental protection.
